9 




Benjamin White, Esq. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



TOWN OF GOSHEN 

Hampshire County, MassacliLisetts, 



FROM ITS 



FIRST SETTLEMENT IN 1761 TO 1881 



FAMILY sketches; 



/ 

/ 

By HIRAM BARRUS. 




Boston : 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

1881. 



Goshen, April 8, 1881. 

HiKAM Barrus, Esq., 

Dear Sir : 

The undersigned having been chosen a committee to mature 
and execute plans for a proper observance of tlie One Hundredth 
Anniversary of the Incorporation of the town of Goshen, desire to 
have you complete and publish the history of the town in season for 
that event. 

We would also take the present opportunity to invite you to 
deliver an historical address on that occasion. 

Most respectfully yours, 

ALVAN BARRUS, 

GEORGE DRESSER, 

HIRAM PACKARD, 

J. H. GODFREY, \ Committee. 

T. P. LYMAN, 

T. L. .BARRUS, 

ALONZO SHAW, 

GEOKGE DRESSER, 

Secretary^ 



PREFACE. 



In compliance with the invitation of the Committee of the town, the History of 
Goshen is herewith presented. Portions of it were published in the Hampshire 
Gazette about fifteen years since, but nearly all has been re-written and also enlarged 
by the addition of much new matter. The material facts have been gathered, as 
far as possible, from the records of the church and town, and the archives of the 
state. 

Copious notes of facts and incidents related more than thirty years since by some 
of the early residents of the town, have proved valuable aids. Among the persons 
who thus continue to speak through these pages, may be named Mr. Cyrus Stearns, 
a native of the town, who was personally acquainted with nearly every family from 
the first settlement of the town onward for nearly ninety years ; Maj. Ambrose 
Stone, who was identified with the leading interests of the town from its incorpora- 
tion for about seventy years ; Capt. John Grant, Col. Luther Stone, Dea. Benjamhi 
White, Mr. Moses Dresser and others, who were intelligent observers, life-long res- 
idents, and themselves important factors in the town's history. 

The family sketches, intended at first to be only brief outlines, grew more and 
more extended as the work progressed and the material accumulated, till this de- 
partment assumed an unexpected prominence. It has involved much labor, and it 
is hoped will prove acceptable. 

Hon. Charles Hudson, in his preface to the History of Lexington, say?, "It is 
the fortune of those who compile our local histories, and especially if they deal 
with the genealogies of families, to rest under the imputation of being inaccurate." 
This is expected, and much care has been taken in the preparation of this work to 
disarm criticism by preventing errors. Yet some have crept in, and, as far as dis- 
covered, are corrected. Town records do not always agree with family records, in 
dates or names: Mary is often used for Polly, Sarah for Sally, Elizabeth for 
Betsey, Dolly for Dorothy, and, now-a-days, everything possible among female 
names is euphonized by change of termination into ie — Sallie, Mollie, Ilattie, 
Maggie, &c. Such changes may be pleasing to the ear, but are confusing to the 
genealogist, and may yet result in perplexing the courts as to the identity of 
persons named in wills and other important documents. 

The sketches of some of the families are quite disconnected and will be found 
on pages widely separate, in consequence of obtaining some of the facts after the 
others had been put in print. Proper names are usually given as spelt in the 
original records, and hence the spelling is not always uniform. 

The record of marriaees commences on the settlement of Rev. Mr. Whitman in 



6 HISTOEY OF GOSHEN. 

178S, and continues nearly complete to the present time. Where the date of mar- 
riage is wanting the date of the '"Intentions of marriage" is given. The records of 
these commence in lySS, but are missing from 1S53 to 1867. The record of births 
previous to 1S44 is very deficient, probably mislaid or lost. A list of baptisms is 
inserted to supply in some measure the deficiency, the date of baptism generally 
indicating within a few weeks or months the'date of birth. 

Grateful acknowledgments for courtesies received in the preparation of this work, 
are due Rev. J. E. M. Wright, Emmons Putney, Miss Fannie E. Hawks, Albert B. 
Dresser, Alvan Barrus and others of Goshen; J. Milton Smith of Sunderland; 
Hon. Albert Nichols of Chesterfield; Luther James, Esq., of Ann Arbor, Mich.; 
Hon. James White of Boston ; Hon. Levi P. Morton, recently appointed United 
States Minister to France ; Rev. D. G. Wright, D. D., of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ; 
Dr. Edward Strong, of the office of Secretary of State, Boston : Miss Mary E. 
Stone of the Congregational Library, and Hon. J. W. Dean, Librarian of the N. E. 
Genealogical Society, Boston. 

In conclusion, the history is dedicated to the sons and daughters of Goshen, 
wherever residing, in the hope that they may prove worthy of their ancestry in 
whatsoever things are true ; in whatsoever things are honest ; in whatsoever 
things are pure ; in whatsoever things are lovely; in whatsoever things are of 
good report. 

HIRAM BARRUS. 

Boston, May 14, 1S81. .. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE TEKRITOKY SETTLED. 

From the first settlement, 1761, to Incorporation of the town, 1781. Kew England enter- 
prise, Early pioneers, 9; First winter. Two wives and five children, Beater meadow, The 
truant cow. Fall of the chimney, Other settlers, Disturbed slumbers, 10-11 ; Moi-e arrivals, 
Quabliin and the Gore, Xarragansett expedition, Grants to the soldiers, 11; Chesterfield 
incorporated. Gore annexed and set ofl', Town officers. Birth of first child. Close 
of French and Indian War, First physician. Minute men, 12; Muster roll of Lexington 
men, 13-1-t; Days of grief, Camp distemper, Burgoyne, 14; Hard winter of 1780, Dark day 
and Dr. Bylcs, Buckskin and bean porridge, 15. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE TOWN INCOKl'OKATED, 17S1. 

Copy of petition, 16; Agent and committee. Act passed, and town named, First town meet- 
ing, 17; Other meetings. Minister called. Money raised for soldiers. School districts, 
Contributions for Soulhcru snfl'crcis, 18; Meeting-house located and built, Goshen rs. 
Utley, 19; Plan of the house, Long sermons and cold weather. House removed, 20. 

CHAPTER HI. 

ANNALS OF THE TOWN, 1782-1880. 

First annual mccling, "Bulldozing" Congress, 21; Not an cffice-s'eeker. Paper currency "in 
a constitutioual way," School matters, 22 ; Warned out of town, 23-4 ; School houses, Seat- 
ing the singers, 24; Painting the church, Dog tax and School money. Weights and meas- 
ures. The "James Fund," 2o-0; The embargo, Congress asked to explain. Severe cold, 2(;; 
War of 1812 disaijproved, Call for troops, 27; Soldiers that went. Cold summer, 28; 
School house built. Baptist church l)uilt, Average temperature of winter seasons, Koail 
case in court, 29; Committee in charge of funerals. Ovation to Revolutionary soldiers, 
l!0; Surplus Revenue, 31; Log cabins and hard cider. School districts, 32; Townhouse 
built, Money raised for volunteers in 1801, War notes, .33; Cemetery enlarged. Will of 
Whiting Street, Town oUicei-s 1880, Centenidal committee, 34-5. 

CHAPTER IV. 

TOWN AND COUNTY OFFICERS. 

Town Clerks and Selectmen, 3.5-9; Representatives to General Court, 39-40; Justices of 
the Peace, Coroner, County Commissioner, Deputy Shcrifl', 40. 

CHAPTER V. 

cnrucit msTORv. 

Congregational church organized, Members, 41-2; First meeting for business, Pastor 
called. Half way covenant, 42; Non-intercourse act, 43; Chords and discords, Rccogni- 
lion of the sisters ; Deacons chosen. Rev. iNIr. Whitman installed, 44 ; Dancing disallowed , 
Missions, The Catechism, 45; Mr. Whitman dismissed, 40; Succeeding pastors, 47-S-9-50; 



8 HISTORY OF GOSHEi^. 

List of Deacons, 51; RcYivals and results, 52; Additions to the church, 53; Native minis- 
ters and wives of ministers, 54-0-2,- Journey to the Choctaws, 59; Amos Dresser, 61; Nu- 
cleus of Fund for church buihliug, Congregational Society organized, Mrs. Williams's 
Fund, 03; Singing affairs, Dr. Bushnell, 64-0; Centennial of the church. Baptist church 
and society, List of members, 00; Pastors, 67; First Calvinistic societj-, Second Advent 
church, 67. 

CHAPTER VI. 
SCHOOLS— 68. 
Division of the town into districts, Successors of the early residents down to the pi'esent, 
68-72; Early schoolrooms, 72; Books, 73-4; Select schools. Teachers, 74-5; School Com- 
mittees, 77-6; Statistics, 76-7. 

CHAPTER Vn. 

HIGHWAYS AND OTHER MATTERS. 

Route of troops, 78; Method of travel, Post-office, Transportation of goods, Houses on the 
road to Northampton, 79; Stores and Taverns, 81-2; Highland House, Goshen scenery, 
83; Phj-sicians, 83-5; Industrial pursuits, 85-7; Mills and Trades, 88-92; Military compa- 
nies, 92-5. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

WAR OF REVOLUTION, 95. 

Drafted persons, Soldiers and place of sei-vice, 95-8; Capt. Weeks' Journal, 99, 100; Wm. 
White, delegate,—; Continental money, 101; Eurgoyne's men, 101-2; Literature of the 
Revolution, 102-3; War of 1812, 103; The Great Rebellion, 103; Sketches of soldiers, 
105-8. 

CHAPTER IX. 

MISCELLANIES. 

Geological, 108; More's Hill; Great Meadow, 109; Ponds and Brooks, 110; Population and 
Depopulation, 111; Wages, Indian relics. Tornadoes, 112-3; Perished in snow storms, 
Wild animals, 114-5; A fatal remedy, 115; First apple tree. Slaves freed. Shay's Re))el- 
lion, 116; Travelling in Circles, Beech trees not struck by lightning; Locofoco matches, 
117-8; Casualties, 118; The burying ground. Malignant diseases, 119; Buildings burnt, 
Aged people, 121; Atlantic cable celebration, 122-4; Town officers for 100 years, 124-6. 

CHAPTER X . 

"OLD TIMES." 

Personifled and sketched, 127-132. 

CHAPTER XI. 

FAMILY SKETCHES, 133—216. 

Additions and corrections, 207; Marriages, 216; Intentions, 223; Births, 220; Baptisms, 

233; Deaths, 237. 

APPENDIX. 
Act of Incorporation, 246-7; Biographical— J. D. '.Chamberliu, 248; Rev. J. S. Burgess, 

248-250; L. L. Pierce, 250-2; Centennial Committee, 252-3 ; Index, 255-202. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN, MASS. 



CHAPTER I. 

1761 1781. 

The sons of New England have earned the reputation of being an 
enterprising people. Their love of home is proverbial, yet seldom so 
strong as to prevent their removal when prompted by necessity, or 
when by so doing they may expect to improve their condition. The 
rapid filling up of the older towns made emigration to new localities 
not only desirable but necessary, and this process continued shows how 
neighborhoods became towns and towns became states. 

Isaac Stearns came to this country from England in 1630 in the 
same ship, it is thought, with Gov. Winthrop. He and "his kinsman," 
Charles Stearns, seeded in Walertown, Mass. Charles was admitted 
freeman in 1646. In 1680 he sold hislands in Watertown, and with his 
son Shubael removed to Lynn and took up his residence on the wild 
lands n-ear Reading. S'.mbael, a soldier in the Narragansett expedi- 
dion, had a son Ebenezer, who married Martha Burnap of the latter 
town in 1717 and removed to Sutton, where the first settlers received 
one hundred acres of land free. David Stearns, the fourth son of 
Ebenezer, born 1729, removed to Dudley, remained a few years, and 
in 1761, accompanied by Abijah Tucker sought a new home in the un- 
broken forest that covered the hills west of the Connecticut river. 
David Stearns may have received his land here iit consideration of 
his grandfather Shubael's service in the Narragansett expedition, 
Thev brought their families to Northampton and left them there during 
the summer, where they could often visit them, and then proceeded 
on their way, foUowhig the then recent military trail towards Albany 



10 III8TOEY or GOSIIEX. 

for about twelve miles. Here they stopped, felled the trees, built a 
log house, and began to cultivate the land. The location is still 
marked by the old cellar and well, about thirty rods north of the house 
of Amos Hawks, near the old boundary line between Chesterfield 
and the "Gore." Here the two families spent the winter of .1761-2, 
their only neighbors, within the present limits of Goshen, being wolves, 
bears and other wild beasts. Lonely as that winter must have been 
to these families, it was further increased by the frequent absence of 
the men in Northampton, where they found employment among the 
farmers, leaving the two wives and five children, to keep their houses 
and care for the cow and horse. "Beaver meadow," two miles awa}' 
to the north, had furnished pasturage in the summer and hay for the 
winter. One day, in the absence-of the men, the cow wandered away 
through the deep snow to the meadow, and did not return as the night 
came on. Neither woman would go alone for the cow, nor remain 
alone with the children, so they compromised by taking out the horse, 
loading the five children upon his back, and all went for the truant 
cow. 

Another inciderit was remembered and told by one of the sons, 
Cyrus Stearns, who lived to be 90 3'ears of age, and abounded in 
facts relating to the early history of tlie town. The chimney of their 
house was a rude affair, and one morning, while preparing breakfast, 
the mother saw it giving way and about to fall. She placed her 
shoulder against the lowering mantel and held it \yhile the children 
escaped by flight, but the breakfast was buried in the ruins. 

In the spring of 1762, Ezra ?vlay from Woodstock, Conn., with ten 
hired men and Ezekiel Corbin and wife to do their cooking, com- 
menced clearing what isstillknown as the May farm, now owned by Mar- 
lon Damon. William White from Charlton came about the same time 
and boarded with May while clearing his own lands half a mile south, 
now in possession of INIarshall Dadmun. White was an excellent 
marksman, and game was so plenty that it is said he killed enough on 
his way to and from his labors to pay his board. He once shot two 
ducks, cutting off both heads with a single ball, "Robert Webster 
from Dudley and Lemuel Lyon fronn Woodstock came the same year. 
As a protection against the wild animals, the wife of Webster, v/hen 
he was absent, kept a fire burning outside the cabin in the night. One 
night when alone with her infant child, the horse became frightened 
by some wild beast, and w'ith a loud neigh came rushing through the 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 11 

doorway, which was onl}' closed by a bhiiiket, into the room where 
she slept. Another woman alone in a moonlight night was suddenly 
surpiistd by seeing a wild cat jump through an open window in the 
attic down into her room. Tiie shriek of the woman was too much 
for the intruder, and he left as suddenly as he came. 

Other settlers that came within a few years were Asa Grant from 
Wrenlham, John James and Zebulon Willcutt from Cohasset, Joseph 
Blake and Edward Orcutt from Hingham, Reuben and Moses Dresser, 
and Ebenezer Putney from Charlton, Thomas and Daniel Brown and 
the five Banister brothers — John, Lemuel, Christopher, Barzillai and 
William — and probably Artemasand Sylvanus Stone, from Brookfield, 
Joshua Abell from Rehoboth, Capt. John Bigelow, Isaac Kingman, 
James and Joshua Packard from Bridgewater, Doctor Benjamin Bur- 
gess and Samuel IMott from Tisbury, John Smith, Timothy Lyman, 
Benjamin Parsons and his sons, Ebenezer, Justin, Solomon, Silas and 
Benjamin, from Northampton, Thomas Weeks and Ambrose Stone 
from Greenwich, and William Hallock from Long Island. 

The territory included in die town of Gosben was formerly desig- 
nated by various names. The southern portion lying west of what is 
now Williamsburgh, consisting of thirty lots of one hundred acres 
each, was called "Quabbin," "Quabbin Proprietarj'," or "First Addi- 
tional Grant." The northern portion lying between "Quabbin" and 
Pluntstown, now Ashfield, containing about three thousand five hun- 
dred, acres, was called ''The Gore," "Chestertield Gore," or "Second 
Additional Grant." The division line between Quabbin and the Gore 
extended from the N. W. corner of Williamsburgh westerly, just south 
of the meetingiiouse, to Cummington line. 

These grants were made to satisfy the claims of the heirs of the 
soldiers in the Narragansett expedition in King Philip's War. They 
were promised "if they played the man, took the fort, and drove the 
enemy ©ut of the country, they should have a gratuity in land besides 
tiieir wages." Pursuant to this promise the court in 1732 granted 
seven townships, each six miles square, to the descendants of the 840 
soldiers engaged in the expedition. These townships were located 
in Maine, New Hampshire, and in this state. "Narragansett town- 
ship" No. 4, located in New Hampshire, w'as reported unfit for 
settlement, and in lieu of it, the territory called "Quabbin," now 
Greenwich, Mass., was granted. But this benig less than six miles 
square, 'The First Additional Grant," above named and now included 



12 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

in Goshen, was made to supply the efficiency. Tliis also failed to 
give entire satisfaction and "Tlie Second Additional Grant" was made. 

In 1762 Chesterfield was incorporated and the "Quabbin" district 
was included within its limits. In the following January, on petition 
of its inhabitants, the Gore was annexed to Chesterfield by the Gener- 
al Court without serving notice or asking consent of the town. 
Twenty-thiee inhabitants of Chesterfield, in their turn, petitioned to 
have the people of the Gore set off again, for the reason that "their 
being annexed had lai<l foundation for lasting contention, as the in- 
habitants living on said Grant will have it in their power to erect the 
meetinghouse quite out of the center of the town, the place heretofore 
pitched upon for it, which is on the county road." Their petition 
prevailed, and the Gore was dis-uniied in June of the same year. 

The early settlers of "Quabbin" and the "Gore" had men of recog- 
nized ability among them, as shown by records of the first annual town 
meeting in Chesterfield. Of these men the following were chosen to 
office: Ezra May was chosen moderator of the meeting, and also 
constable and chairman of the board of selectmen ; Abijah 'flicker 
was also chosen selectman ; David Stearns, warden ; Robert Web- 
ster, highway surveyor; William White, deer reeve. May served in 
Chesterfield six years as selectman, U'illiam White two, Abijah Tucker 
five, Robert Webster two, Reuben Dresser, Joshua Abell, Clnistopher 
Banister one each. 

The first child born within the present limits of Goshen was Sarah, 
daughter of Ezra May, January 27, 1763, who married Elisha Morton 
of Williamsburgh ; the. first male child was Samuel, son of David 
Stearns, March 25, 1763, who died young. 

The close of the French arid Indian War by the treaty of 1763 gave 
a new impetus to emigration to the "West," which at that time was 
reckoned within the limits of the state. In a petition to the General 
Court the people speak of their settlement, which they aver has gone 
on prosperously since they have been freed from the fear of the In- 
dian enemy. The early settlers, being chiefly young people, their 
occupation and the climate healthful, families became large, invalids 
were few, and physicians scarce. Dr. Isaac Robinson, who was here 
in 1 77 1, was probably the first resident physician, and lemained about 
eleven years — perhaps till Dr. Benjamin Burgess came. 

Several men belonging in what is now Goshen, were enrolled among 
the minute men in Capt. Webster's company, and marched two days 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 13 

after the brittle of Lexington to the defence of that part of the state. 

The foUowuii;-, copied from the state archives, gives the list of Capt. 
Webster's companv of minute men. 

A Muster Hull of the Minute Men under the command of Capt. 
Iio()crl Webster in General Pomeroy's Re(jinient,tvhomarehed from 
Chesterfield in the County of Hampsliire, April 21, 1775. 

*Robert Webster, Captain. Ebenezer Cole, 

*Ciirist. B mister, Lieut. Jabez Cowles, 

*\Villiani White, Sei-g't. *Cliristo. Grant, 

Daniel l.itticiicld, " Thos. Pierce, 

*John Halbei-t " Tilly Eurk, 

James Cox, " Adam JJeal, 

Richard Silvester, Cotp. Stephen Tyler, 

*VVait Burk, " Nathan Web Tyler, 

Asa Packard, F/fer. George Mills, Jun., 

Privates. l^enj. Got Ball, ^ 

Everston Beswick, . Luke Silvester, 

John Shea, Robert Damon, 

*Richard Burk, ^^o^ Crittenden, 

Josiah Brown, Sam'l Leach, 

Joseph Brown, *Samuel Olds, 

*Cyrus Lyon, Josiah Clark, 

Asa Spaulding, Isaac Buck, 

Enoch Pratt, *Benj. Bourn, 

Z.ich. Curtis, Simeon Higgins, 

Wm. Damon, Wm. Turner. ] 

[These were paid for six days service probably befcjic they joined Gen. Poineroy's 
regiment. Their nanvs in (Jctober, 1775. aj)pear with others from Chesterfield in 
a muster roll as the 8-th Co. of the Sth Regiment of Foot in the Continental army, 
posted at Dorchester, under Col. John Fellows.] 

The records continue : 

Men's Names that Returned Home. 

Travel. Time of Serviec. 

Jere Stockwell, 2nd Lieut 230 miles, i monili, 7 days. 

*Jona. Nelson, Corporal ^. i " 

Justin Wriuht, " 80 " 14" 

Edward Converse, Drummer !-23o " 

* Ki'siilcnts of (Joshen. 



14 HISTOKY OF GOSHEN. 

Travel. Time of Service. 

Pri rates. 

*Tiino Lyman 14 days 

Elijah Warner ■ 14 '' 

*Artenias Stone 14 " 

*Renben Dresser.- 18 " 

*Barzillai Banisler i " 

*Eben'r Putney i " 7 " 

Aaron Jewell i " 

Prince Cowen 14 " 

*OIiver Taylor 14'' 

Chester Kid 68 miles. 3 " 

Josiah Perry 3 " 

The men tiiat returned home were allowed one penny per Ciile for 
travel each way — 230 miles. The privates received about 25 cents 
per day as. wages. The two rolls show the amount due the oflicers 
and men ^52. Gs. ^d. Signed and sworn to by Capt. Webster, 
December 25, 1775. Read in Council and allowed, February 6, 
1776. The names of Caleb Cushman and Nehemiah May are 
included in another list of minute men among the papers of Capt. 
Webster, each being 28 days in that service. 

The early settlemant had its days of sorrpw. The darkest time 
in its history was in 1777 -S. The "camp distem]3er'' — jirobably 
dysentery — introduced by a sick soldier, became epidemic and raged 
fearfully. In 21 days theie were 21 deaths. In some families all 
the childien died. Reuben Dresser lost- three children in six days, 
Ebenezer Putney two in one day. Col. May two in five days. 

Gen. Burgoyne, with his army, was then on his way from the nortli, 
and the people were expecting he would march across from Albany 
to Boston, laying waste the country as he passed. The probability 
that he might go through tliis section added not a little to the pre- 
vailing distress. The- men not already in the army were called out to 
oppose his progress, and so many went that the ripened crops in the 
field stood unharvested, with few men or none to gather them. The 
mothers and daughters, equal to (he emergetic\-, came to the rescue, 
and with their own hands gathered the crops that were to supply their 
food for the dreaded winter. Their self-denying efforts were not lost. 
Burgoyne'defeated at the battle of Saratoga, iwarched from Albany 

* Kesidents of Go.-^lier. 



HISTORY OP GOSHEN. 15 

to Boston, as a prisoner of war wiih his luimili^ited army, and the 
patriotic women had the satisfaction of seeini^- a portion of the prison- 
ers pass through this town under guard of our soldiers. 

The winter of 17S0 was known among the early settlers as "The 
Hard Winter." Severe cold and deep snow prevailed, and for six 
weeks the sun did nut melt the snow on the sunny side of the build- 
ings. Deer huddled together where they could browse among the 
small twigs of trees, and being unable to escape through the deep 
snow by flight, were easily killed with clubs, and to such an extent 
was the slaughter, that they were nearly exterminated. INIajor 
Ambrose Stone removed here April 20th of that year, and gave it as 
a fact that at that time the fences were buried in the snow out of 
sight, " stakes and all." The snow was then so solid that loaded 
teams travelled over it wherever their drivers chose. 

The Dark Day of INIay 19, 1780, belonged to this period. An 
unusual darkness extended over New England nearly all dav and 
night. Candles were needed at noon-day, fowls went to their roost, 
the frogs peeped as though it were evening, and in the universal 
gloom many people thought the final day had surely come. The 
cause of the darkness was never satisfactorily explained, and the 
answer of the punning Rev. Dr. Byles, serit by the servant, was per- 
haps as good as could have been givei- : " Tell your mistress I am as 
much in the dark as she is." 

Luxuries in these early days were rarities. The dress of the peo- 
ple was prepared more with reference to comfort than to the dictate 
of city fashions. Buckskin mittens and breeches were in common 
use. Shoes with leggins were for winter wear, and boots were so rare 
an article that a young fellow from abroad wearing a pair was nick- 
named " Boots," for his extravagance. Flax was then, as for long 
years afterward, raised, pulled, rotted, broken, swingled, hatcheled 
.«ipun, woven and wrought into clothing for summer wear ; and wool 
from the fleece was carded, spun, dyed, woven by the hand of woman 
for winter clothing. The cradle for the infant was a segment of a 
hollow log; a block of wood served for a chair; an upright block 
three feet high, with a cavity in the top, and a heavy pestle, was used 
for reducing corn to hominy for many a frugal meal. "Bean por- 
ridge hot, bean porridge cold," and "bean porridge nine days old," 
was one of the luxuries that came of a bberal |")ieparation of potluck. 
Wooden plates, or no plates, was the early fashion, then came pewter 
dishes, and finally earthen. 



16 HISTORY OF GOSHEN, 



CHAPTER II. 

1781. 

The "Gore" seemed to be, in some respects, unfortuiialely situated. 
Its early settlers, as already stated, had been at one time annexed to 
Chesterfield, but to restore peace, were again set off. Their necessi- 
ties finally compelled them again to appeal to the General Court, re- 
citing their giievances, and asking to be incorporated as a town. 
They say in their petition: 

That, whereas the First and Second Additional Grants to Narragansett townsliip 
No. 4 were formerly one prspriety, properly and conveniently situated for the bene- 
fit of society, which benefit those of us which were the first purchasers and settlers 
of said land expected to have enjoyed, l)ut to our astonishment and great disap- 
pointment, and also without the consent or knowledge of the proprietors and in- 
habitar.ts thereof, it was in the year 1762 torn asunder and divided by an Act of 
Court incorporating said First Additional Grant, together with a plantation called 
New Hingham into a town by the name of Chesterfield, greatly to the disadvan- 
tage of the proprietors of the said Second Additional Grant, or Chesterfield Gore, 
in that they were thereby left a small, unincorporated, poor people, without a sufti- 
ciency of land for a society, and were thereby unable to support a minister of the 
gosi>eI, and consequently have to this day been deprived of one of the natural rights 
of mankind, as also one of the greatest blessings, benefits and privileges of society : 

"And whereas, your petitioners and other inhabitants of said Gore, with a num- 
ber of inhabitants living on the northwardly part of Chesterfield, which also makes 
a part of this church, and whose petition is now pending in Court to be anne.ved to 
said Gore, have, for the space of several months, jointly agreed in carrying on the 
public worship of God, and in supporting a minister of the gospel, and are earnest- 
ly desirous of having a legal right to do so in the future; therefore, your petitioners 
most earnestly supplicate your honors to take their case into your' serious consider- 
ation, and enlarge their borders, by incorporating them with such a part of Ches- 
terfield as are willing and desirous to be annexed to said Gore, and which will best 
accommodate them and least incommode the town of Chesterfield, which, we hum- 
bly conceive, your honors are fully sensible, is the only land that can accommodate 
said Gore to make them a convenient town, and build them a society sufiiciently 
able to support a minister of the gospel, and thereby, not only your destitute peti- 
tioners, but also the whole of the inhabitants of said Gore, consisting of more than 
200 souls, will be put into a circumstance whereby they will be able to support the 
gospel." 



HISTOllY OF GOSHEN. 17 

Capt. Thomas Weeks presented the iiialter to the Court in 1779 
and again in 17S1. In January of the latter year, moved by "the 
petition of Thomas Weeks, agent to the jietitioners of a part of Ches- 
teifield,'" also of the "petitioners of a Gore of kind, called Chester- 
field Gore," a committee was appointed by tlie General Court to repair 
to Chesterfield, hear the parties, and report at the next session of the 
Court. The action of the committee may be inferred from a letter 
of whicii the following is a copy: 

Norwich, May i, 1781. 
Sir: I have left tlie report of tlie committee appointed on the matters relating to 
the Gore, Narragansett No. 4, and Chesterfield, with landlord Elisha Lyman and 
all the papers except yours, left with me, which are here enclosed. If you go down 
this session, remember to carry d(/\vn t') Court the plan of th-it part of N.irragan- 
settNo.4, as Capt. White proposed to the committee when at Mr. May's, represent- 
ing those that were willing to he annexed to the Gore. Doct. Mather :ind Doct. 
Sliepard propose not to go down this session, and I can't. You will do as you 
tliink best respecting gf)ing down this session or the next. We have closed our re- 
port, which if you send, you will have safely conveyed to the Secretary as directed. 

Doct. Mather'.s bill 13 | 9 hard money. 
Doct. Shepard's l)ill T | 10 " " 

I am Sr. your most Humble Serv't, 

JOH.M KlUKI.AND. 

To Mr. Joshua Abell. 

The act of incorporation finally passed May 14, 17S1, and was ap- 
proved by John Hancock, Governor. The name given in the act is 
Goshan — probably a clerical error. Tiie origin of the name, as given 
by Dea. Oliver 'I'ajlor to his daughter, Mrs. (Jathcart, is said by her 
daughter, Mrs. Polly Tilton, to have been this : — Goshen of old was 
the best part of Egypt, so the name was considered appropriate for 
what was claimed lo be the best part of Chesterfield. 

The town meeting, for organizatron, was held pursuant to a warrant 
issued by Jacob Siierwin, Esq., of Ashfield, May 23, at the house of 
John Williams, whici) then stood just above the burying ground. 
Lieut. Thomas Weeks was ciiostn clerk; Joshua Abell, treasurer; 
Capt. William White, Lieut. Lemuel Lyon, Maj. Christopher Banister, 
selectmen and assessors; Thomas Brown and Ebeneztr Parsons, 
constables; Farnum White, Lemuel Banister, Ebenezer Putney, Lieut. 
Timothy Lyman, Thomas Weeks and Barzillai Banister, Ijiginvay sur- 
veyors; John Williams, sealer of weights and measures; Lemuel 
Banister and Farnum White, tythingmen; John Smith and Maj. Chris- 



18 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

toplier Banister, fence viewers; Samuel Olds, leather sealer; Barzillai 
Banister, deer-reeve; Neherwinh May, Daniel Brown, Barzillai Banis- 
ter and Lenuiel Banister, hog-ieeves. 

The selectmen called another town meeting, June 4, 17S1. 

Capt. Wm. White was chosen moderator. Voted to raise 50 pounds silver 
money for repair of highways and to allow 3s]iillings per dav for a man, i shilling 
aid six pence for a good yoke of oxen, i shilling each for a plough and cart. Vo- 
ted that hogs should not run at large. 

It was voted to give Mr. Jose|)h Barkera call to settle wiili them in 
the work of the ministry. June 21, it was voted to offer him 100 
pounds as an "encouragement." His salary was to be 40 pounds the 
first year and after that to increase annually five pounds, until it 
amounted to sixty pounds. Voted that Lemuel Banister, David 
Stearns and Thomas Brown wait on Mr. Barker with said offers, but 
the call was not accepted. 

August 21, voted to raise thiity-six pounds, three shillings, for pay- 
ing the bounty and wages of three soldiers for three months service, 
and to procure 5 linen shirts, 5 pairs stockings and shoes, and 2 
blankets; also 2 loi lbs. of beef for the army, all in obedience to acts of 
the General Court, and voted to raise 32 pounds of money to pay for 
the beef. 

October 16, the town voted that Ebenezer Putney, Timothy Lyman, 
Thomas Hamilton, Benjamin Burgess, Oliver Taylor, Christopher 
Banister and William Hallock, divide the town into school districts. 
Their report was made and fortunately entered upon the town rec- 
ords, and is interesting, as it probably shows the whole number of 
families in the town at that time. The list will be given in a future 
chapter. The town voted to raise 15 pounds for preaching, and chose 
Lemuel Banister, Thomas Brown, Farnum White, Thomas Weeks and 
David Stearns a committee to employ a preacher. 

J Vci/ November 15, to raise 25 ]Dounds for schooling. 

Voted December 21, 17S1, that Mr. Joshua Abel! receive the donations that may 
be given in this town to the support of tlie sufferers in the Southern States, agreea- 
1)le to a brief from his Excellency, John Hancock, and pay the same to the gentle- 
man said brief directs. 

I 'orcd to hire Mr. Ftnvler to preach ten Sabbaths more. 

The town's first year was full of activity and not a little perplexity. 



HISTORY OF COSIIEX. 19 

The matter of religious worship had a proniineiit phiCK, and the loca- 
tion of the meetinghouse, as usual in the new towns, was not easily 
settled. It was voted in November, that David Stearns, Lemuel 
Lyon, John Jan)es, Lemuel Banister, James Packard, Thomas Hamil- 
ton and Joshua Abell be a committee to set up a stake on the hill in 
Lieut. Lyman's field, and another in the first convenient place south 
of the burying ground. It was voted to erect the house on the last 
named spot; that it should be 50 feet long, 40 feet wide, with posts 
two feet shorter than the Chesterfield meetinghouse. The timber was 
brought to the place, but, ALny 20, 17S2, th'i vole was changed and a 
new site selected ten rods north of the house of Lemuel Lyon. This 
was not satisfactory, and the next day it was voted to refer the mat- 
ter to a committee chosen from the neighboring towns. Dea. Ebene- 
zer Siiell of Cumminglon, Capt. Benj. Phillips of Ashfield, Josiah 
Dwight of Williamsburgh, were cho'=;en, and William Ward, Jacob 
Sherwin, William Bodman were added, but nothing came of their ac- 
tion. The contribution of an acie of land by the widow of Col. Ezra 
May, and a iialf acre by Lieut. Lemuel Lyon, finally decided the ques- 
tion. The donations were accepted May 30, and it was voted to set 
the house on the division line between Lieut. Lemuel Lyon and the 
widow Margaret May's, on the east side of tiie road, leading from 
Widow May's to said Lyon's. The highway at that time was some 
rods west of the present one. Tlie house was built during that year, 
and the first town meeting was held in it December ig. It was then 
voted to pHi'dtasc an acre and a half of land to convene siad house, 
and also one-fourth of an acre outside of the acre already staked out 
— the east stakes to stand. This same piece of land tha! served to 
end one long controversy was the cause of another, that was still 
longer and more bitter. The land was constantly lessened in area 
by encroachments; the removal of the highway to the east cut olf a 
portion of it; the highway on tin* north side severed another portion. 
The purchasers of the May farm found that their deeds included the 
remainder of the Common, as it has long been called, making no re- 
servation of the land sold "to convene the meetinghouse." So there 
came to be two sets of claimants for the land, causing a loiig contro- 
versy in the courts, in the case of Goshen vs. UUcy. The people were 
divided into two parties, and for a whole decade, beginning in 1847, 
the contest was active and exciting. It was finally settled by com- 
promise, as it should have been at the beginning, and the rights of 



20 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

encli party were made secure for the future by mutual deeds of quit- 
claim. 

The church was built with porches at the east and west ends, 
through which stairways led to the j^^alleries. The pews were box- 
like enclosures, nearly square, witli seats on eacli of the four sides, 
facing inward. In front, on either side of the pulpit, were the dea- 
cons' seats, where these solemn officials sat overlooking the congrega- 
tion to see ihat everything was done in an orderly and ortiiodox 
manner. Tythingmen also kept constant watch that no breach of 
order should disturb the Sabbath services. The pulpit had its sound- 
ing-board suspended like an umbrella over the preacher's head, — a 
constant conundrum for the small bo}-. The house had neither bell 
nor steeple, and for many years no means for warming, save the foot- 
stoves carried by the mothers, and replenished, between the services, 
from some charitable '"fire-place " near the church. No wonder tiiat 
the boys during the bleak winter afternoons, when the mercury was at 
zero and the services were prolonged till nearly sunset, should watch 
with interest for the turnirg of the last leaf of the long sermon. And 
yet "'Sunday sickness" had not been invented, and parents and 
children were constant attendants. 

The annual town meetings, for 51 years, were held in the house, 
and it would not be strange if its walls sometimes echoed sentiments 
and speeches that were not in entire iiarmony with orthodox creeds. 
In 1835, the house having been unroofed by a tornado the year 
before, was removed across the street to its present site, remodeled, 
repaired, painted, and provided with a bell, the latter the donation 
of Col. Timothy Lyman. The work was done by Caleb Loud of 
Westham[)ton. Extensive repairs were again made on the church in 
1859, when it was repainted within and without. 



HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. 21 



CHAPTER III. 

1782. 

Al the first annual meeting, which w.is held at the house of John Williams, John 
James was chosen Moderator ; Thomas Weeks, Clerk; Thomas Brown, Treasurer ; 
Capt. Wm. White. Maj. Christopher ]5anister, Lieut. Oliver Taylor, Selectmen ; 
John James, Reuben Dresser, Capt. Wm. White, Assessors; Barzillai Danister, 
Neh. May, Constables; Farnum White, John Smith, Tythingiiicn ; Maj. Chr. 
Banister, Farnum White, Moses Dresser, B. Banister, .\rtemas Stone, Ebenezer 
Putney, Surveyors of Ways and Bridges ; James Packard, Adams Beals, Fence 
Viewers; Samuel Olds, Leather Sealer; Christophes Grant, Deer-Reeve; J(5hu 
Williams, Sealer of Weights and Measures ; Justin Parsons, Daniel Brown, David 
Stearns, Capt. Wm. While, Cyrus Lyon, Hog-Reeves. 

Voted to allow Thomas Weeks, nine shillings for surveying roads. 

April i. Wm. White, Moderator. Voted to raise 65 pounds for repairing high- 
ways. Voted to confirm what the Assessors have done with res|)ect to classing said 
inhabitants to raise fwo Continental soldiers, agreeable to the resolve of the General 
Coui t. Voted to choose a delegate to send to the County Convention at Hatfield, 
and elected Wm. White said delegate. Voted 6o pounds for jiaying a man already 
procured lor the armv for three years. 

The records show that Barnabas Potter, a soldier in the old Cana- 
dian re<;inie:U, was a deserter from the continental army, but his 
friends procured a substitute, one William Jones, and obtained Pot- 
ter's discharge. 

1783. 

October 6. Voted not to pay any Continental, Stale or County ta.xes until Con- 
gress rescind their vote, alh)wing five years pay to the officers of the Continental 
army. 

What the effect of tliat vole was upon Congress we are not 
informed, but tlie town continued to pay its share of the public ta.xes. 

1784. 

The town had one man who evidently was not an office seeker. 



22 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

June 7. Voted that Samuel Grimes give an obligation to the Selectmen to serve 
as Constable and Collector; or i)rocure some meet person to serve in his room and 
stead ; or give a note on demand with interest, for the fine prescribed liy law, for 
refusing to serve in these offices. 

November 16. The town voted that paper cunency is absolutely 
necessary to discharge our quota of the debt contracted in the late 
war belonging to this Commonwealth, money borrowed of foreign 
nations excepted. Voted to recommend the neighboring towns to 
take similar action. Lemuel Banister was chosen to represent the 
town in a County Convention, and a petition was suggested to aid the 
matter "in a constitutional way." 

1785. 

January II. Road, laid from Ezekiel Corbin's by the Willard 
Packard place to intersect with the highway leading from John 
Jipson's to James Orr's. 

1786. 

Voted that it is expedient to have a paper currency emitted, and that William 
White, Doctor Benj. Burgess and Oliver Taylor be a committee to prefer a peti- 
tion to the General Court for that purpose. Town chese school committees in 
each district. Voted that the school money be divided according to the number of 
persons from .5 to 18 years old. A new district was formed of the families taken 
from Conway and annexed to Goshen, including also Samuel Mett and William 
Meader. It was voted to raise 15 pounds for building a pulpit in the meeting 
house. 

17S7. 

January i. Voted to raise 15c pounds for building school houses. 

1788. 

Voted to build five school houses, and that Reuben Dresser and Eben'r Putney 
be a committee to build a school house in the South East District ; Farnum White 
and Deacon Stone in the Middle District ; Lemuel Jianister and Cyrus Lyon for 
the South West District ; Capt. B. Banister and Ambrose Stone for the North 
West District ; Nath'l Abell and Capt. Jona. Snow lor the North East District 
In I7S9 the North East and Middle Districts were united. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 23 

1790. 

Road laid from Aslifield line by Daniel Kcllogg's to Ambrose 
Stone's. It passed around the west side of what is now called Mt. 
Rood, and by the house of Joshua Packard. 

In order to prevent their "gaining a settlement," the following per- 
sons were warned out of town: 

Silas Bassett, James Partrick, 

Freeborn Mayhew, Daniel Kellogg, 

Adam Beals, John Jepson, 

Enoch Beals, Thomas Weeks, 

Adam Beaks, Jr., Elihu Parsons, 

John Mansfield, Stephen Kellogg, 

Jonathan Snow, Widow Mary Gates, 

Edward "Wing, Doctor John Kittredge, 

Reuben Flowes, Malachi James, 

Samuel Luce, Caleb Ciishman, 

Salathiel Tilton, Maj. Barzillai Banister, 

Samuel Tvcott, James Klalbert, 

I'arnum White, Joseph Naramore, 

Daniel Brown, Zebulon Willcutt, 

Isaac Tower, Abner Damon, 

Phineas Manning, Widow Deborah Naramore, 

Jonali Williams, John Williams, 

Widow Jannet Halbert, VVidow Grimes, 

Steven Grover, James Grimes, 

Shepherd More, Moses James, 

Jedediah Buckingham, W^ttson Robinson, 

Levy Olds, Benjamin Bourn, 

Sylvanus Stone, but not his wife, Moses Hayward, 

Nathan Halbert, but not his wife, Micah Jepson, 

Greenwood Brown, ' Micah Jepson, Jr., 

Isaac Kingman, Asa Chamberlain, 

Joseph Jepson, George Dorr, 

James O.rr, Oliver Taylor, 

John Powers, John James, 

James Packard, James Wheeler, 

Ens. Ambrose Stone, Alpheus Naramore, 



24 



IlISTOEV OF GOSIIEX. 



Jonathan Russell, 
Capt. Lemuel Banister, 
John Rogers, 
Ebenezer White, 
Josiah U'hite, 
Widow Abigail While, 
Widow Molly White, 
Ezekiel White, 
Ezekiel W^hite, Jr., 



Nathaniel Vinton, 
Abiathar Vinton, 
Levy Vinron, 
Zebulon Riclimond, 
Richaid 'I'ower, 
Doctor Benjamin Burgess, 
Widow Elizabeth Grant, 
Widow Mary Parker, together with 
their families. 



Also the ivives of tlte following men, riz: 



Ebenezer Putney, 
Joshua Abell, 
Joshua Abell, Jr., 
Nathaniel Abell, 
Benjamin Abell, 
Justin Parsons, 
Cyrus Stearns, 
John Stearns, 



James Whitcomb, 

Ltmuel Lyon, 

Silas Parsons and 

William Beals and family, also 

Cyrus Lyon and 

Thaddeus Naramore, but not their 

wives, also 
Philip Allen and family. 



Hampshire, ss. Goshen, April 4, 1791. By virtue of the within 
warrant, I have vvarned as directed, tliat said inhabitants reside in 
said town no longer, except the widow Abigail White and Mary White 
and the wife of Cyrus Stearns and Ebenezer Putney's, 

Justin Parsons, Constable. 
Fees for warning, 12 | . 



Voted to. sell the school house by the meetinghouse at veudue, and to raise forty- 
five pounds for building school houses. 



1793. 



Voted t(0 fence the burving ground with stone wall, and chose ]\euben Dresser 
and Ebenezer Putney committee for that purpose. Voted that the singers improve 
the fore seats in the gallery, in the meeting'ioube on Lord's days. Middle school 
district divided by the brook east of the meetinghouse, and e.Ktends so far north as 
to hiclude Edward Orcutt and Benjamin Abell. 



IIISTOKV OF GOSHEN. 25 

1796. 

Voted to i)aiiit the roof and ])orclies of the church, and hang the doors of the 
pews in tlie galleries. Voted to raise ^200 for schooling. The report of a commit- 
tee was accepted, recommending that only two masters be employed for the winter; 
and that they remove from one district to another as the selectmen direct, and 
that a larger proportion of the money be devoted to the summer schools. It was vot- 
ed to build a jjound and set it -'the we.st side of the road opposite the Gun House." 
Voted to finish the back side of the meetinghouse and jiaint the same. 

1797. 

January. The small pox broke out in the east part of the town, 
and A meeting was called "to see if the town will agree to let any per- 
sons have the small pox by way of inoculation who have not been ex- 
posed to it." It was voted, after much opposition, that Doctor Ben- 
jamin Burgess, Dea. Oliver Taylor, Capt. Ambrose Stone, Lieut. 
Nehemiah May, Mr. Justin Parsons, Dea. Thomas Brown, and Lieut. 
Ebenezer Parsons be a committee to conduct the business respectin"- 
the small pox as they shall think best. 

1799. 

History never tires of repeating itself. The towm voted that the 
money raised by the dog tax should be appropriated to the Jrupport 
of schools. Tiie same thing is now done under the law of the state. 

1801. 

Voted to take jjart of the money recovered from Mr. fun •< (rrimes of Xewton 
for support of a pauper to buy weights and m-asur-'s. 

1805. 

The town appears to have owned the books belonging to the 
schools, an idea which in some places is in practical operation in later 
times. 

Voted that the .Selectmen have the care and charge of th.e school books belonging 
to the town, and distribute them among the several schools as they jud^e proper. 

April I. Voted to accept the grant made ■ > he town by Mr. John James in his 
will expressed in the following terms : /lew. 1 give unto the town of Goshen the 
sum of one hundred dollars, to be paid equally by my executors, if the town will 
accept of such a trifle, on the following terms, (to wit) .- To be under the care and 



fl 



26 » HI^^TORY OF G08IIEN. 

• inspection or the Selectmen, unless the town see fit to choose a committee to take 
care of it, on interest, to be annually paid for the full term of one hundred years, 
from and after my decease. The person or persons who hire said money are to 
procure a good and sufficient bondsman, and whatever expense may arise in conse- 
quence ef letting said money, is to be paid by the town, so that no encroachment 
may be made on said money, and at the end of the above mentioned time of one 
hundred years, the aforesaid sum of one hundred dollars, together with all the 
interest that may arise therefrom, be the same more or less, is to be forever kept 
on interest under the aforesaid regulations, and the interest arising therefrom is to 
be appropriated for the support of a Gospel minister in said^tpwn, of the Congre- 
gational standing order so called; for the support of schools, and for the support 
of the poor in said town, for the Imilding and rejjairing of public buildings, as the 
case may be. 

1806. 

This year was noted for the execution of Daley and Halligan, in 
Northampton, June 6, for the murder of Marcus I^yon in VVilbrahain. 
It vvas thouglit 15,000 people from the surrounding towns were present. 
The culprits were executed about 3 p. M. The day was very hot, and 
the spectators suffered greatly from thirst. 

June 16 was long remembered for the total eclipse of the sun about 
midday. The stars appeared, the fowls went to roost, men left their 
work, and some persons were so impressed by the prevailing gloom, 
that they fainted. The total eclipse lasted about three minuses, 
when the sun came out again with unusual brightness, and was wel- 
comed bv the crowing of the chanticleers, the songs of the birds and 
the rejoicing of the people. 

1808. 

The political troubles that culminated in ihe war of 1812 engaged 
the attention of the people early as 180S. The town appointed Dea- 
con Taylor, William White, Deacon Parsons and Col. Neh. May to 
draft and forward a memorial to Congress, asking for an explanation 
of their measures respecting the Embargo, and for redress of certain 
grievances. In August, in response to a letter from the Selectmen of 
Boston, the Selectmen of the town were directed to petition the Pres- 
ident for a suspension of the Embargo. 

1810. 

January 19 was memorable for its severe weather. Tiie mercury 
fell from 47*^ above zero at sunset to 12° below, — 59" in 8 hours. A 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 27 

violent, piercing north-west wind prevailed, that in some places pros- 
trated trees and buildings. There was much suffering, and some 
persons and animals perished. 

1811. 

The town voted unanimousl}' against the proposed division of the 
County of Hampshire, and instructed Oliver Taylor, Esq., represen- 
tative elect, to use his best endeavors to prevent it. 

Note.— IlanipshireCouufy foniierly iiichiik'il all the tcrritdi-y "I ;\Ias.-;acluisett.s \ve.«t of 
Worcester County. Berkshire County wa.s set off in April, ITiil ; Franklin County in June, 
1811 ; Hanipilen in February, ISI'2. 

1812. 

In the month of June, Congress declared war against Great Britain. 
The Federalists in the previous election in this state had elected tlie 
Governor, Caleb Strong of Northampton, and a majority of the House 
of Representatives. The House prepared an address, regretting the 
war and declaring it impolitic and inexpedient. The Senate was 
Democratic, and published an address approving the war and declar- 
ing it in their opinion just and necessary. This town was strongly 
Federal in politics, and passed a series of resolutions deprecating" the 
war and denouncing the war measures of the administration in very 
strong terms. A petition was sent to the Legislatuie, suggesting a 
convention of all the northern and commercial states by delegates to 
be appointed by their Legislatures, to consult upon measures for pro- 
curing such alterations in the Federal Constitution as would give the 
Northern States a due proportion of representation, as "in conse- 
quence of the slaves, the Southern States have by far too great an in- 
fluence, disproportioned to their wealth, strength, and resources." 

But their opposition to what they termed, Ojfensil'i'\\'a.v, did not pre- 
vent furnishing men for the defence of the state. 

18U. 

Gov. Strong declined to raise troops to be placed at the command 
of the President, but issued a call for troops in the autumn of 1814, 
to be used in case of emergency wilhin the commonwealth. Thir- 
teen men from this town were drafted and went to Boston for the 
defence of the seaboard against the anticipated attacks of the British. 



28 JIISTOKY OF (iOSIIEX. 

Tliey met in Chesterfield and started on iheir marcli Sabbath morn- 
ing, September 11,1814. They formed a part of a leginient of 
infantry made up from the militia companies 'u the northern portion 
of old Hampshire County. Col. Thomas Longley of Hawley was in 
command of the regiment. The names of the soldiers that belonged 
to this town were: Timothy Lyman, Asahel Billings, Enoch James, 
William Tilton, John I^ullei', Stephen Parsons, Arad Hosfoid, Ezra 
Stearns, Abishai Williams, William Ab^ll, Oliver T. Cathcart, Samuel 
Wing and Robert Barrows. They were joined with detachments of 
companies from other towns, in sufificient number to make up a com- 
pany. Timothy Lyman was detailed from the regiment to sej:ve_as 
the captain, and Asahel Billings as orderly sergeant. They were sta- 
tioned at Commercial J^oint, Dorchester, where they saw little of the 
hardships and sufferings incident to war beyond the daily routine of 
camp life, but nothing of the expected foe. One of their number, 
Ezra Stearns, sickened and died at the hospital in Boston, at the very 
hour the Governor was reviewing the troops on the Common, prelim- 
inar)' to their discharge. He was buiied at Dorchester with military 
honors. The troops were dismissed in October, having been in camp 
aJiout forty days; and thus ended what was known at liiat day as 
"Governor Strong's War." The Goshen company were in uniform, 
and received in consequence, before leaving camp, a gratuity from 
the state. A military company in uniform was a spectacle of so Tare 
occurrence at that time, that on their way home they were induced to 
march two or three miles out of a village and accept the hospitalities 
of a gentleman who was anxious to have his family enjo)' so novel a 
sight, 

1810. 

This year was remarkable for its cold snmmer. Severe frosts oc- 
curred in every month. June 7 and 8 snow fell, and it was too cold 
for comfort even in winter clothing, and frosts cut the corn down to 
the roots, but it was replanted. September 25, corn was still in the 
milk and so thorouglily frozen by three wintry iiights, that it never 
ripened and was scarcely worth gathering. Breadstuffs were scarce 
and prices high, and tiie poorer class of people were often in straits 
for want of food. 



IIISTORV OK (iOSlIKX. 21) 

1S17. 

The winter of 1S17-S was called very mild, but it was said to be 
the coldest P'ebruary sii;ce 1780. 

1819. 

The present school house in the northwest district probably built 
this year. The first school in it was taught by Levi Williams in 1820- 

1822. 

The season for planting and sowing was quite early. Peas were 
planted April 2, and gathered for liie table June 28, which was often 
referred to as an unusual occurrence. 

The Baptist meetinghouse was built during this year. The frame 
was partially raised Independence day, but on account of rain was 
not completed till the next day. 

1827. 

The winter of 1827-8 is said to have been one of the mildest known, 
the mean temperature being 34'', — the average temperature be- 
tween 1786 and 1828 being about 28". 

The people turned their attention in 1827-8 to improving the prin- 
cipal lines of travel through the town. The old stage road from 
Northampton to Albany passed over the liill by the burying ground 
— the highest land in that part of the town. 

It was voted to raise the sum of $500 for the purpose of procuring an alteration 
in the road from John WilHams' to Cummington line by Luther Stone's factory. 
Col. Timothy Lyman, Benjamin White, Jared Hawks, Jr., were chosen a committee 
"to appropriate" this money, and Capt. Malachi James was chosen to collect it. 

The County Commissioners laid the road on condition the town 
would pay all the costs of building, beyond $650 which the County 
would pay. The road was built, but some of the tax-payers took the 
ground that the tax was illegal and refused to pay. Mr. VVillard Par- 
sons, who built the road, sued the town to compel payment. The 
case was carried to the Supreme Court, which decided that ''a town 
has no authority to aid in the construction of a road, which by law is 
to be made at the expense of the County," It decided^that the tax 



30 HISTORY OY GOSHEX. 

was illegal and void, and that the contract for building the road was 
not binding upon the town. The decision in this case furnished a 
precedent, which is often quoted and followed by the courts to the 
present day. The principle is quite frequently stated in this way: — 
"A town has no right to raise money to give away." 

The laying of the "Potash Brook" road, and another from the 
North West school house northward towards Cyrus Stearns', soon fol- 
lowed, and then came the discontinuance of the unnecessary old roads 
over the hills to the village. ' 

1830. 

Town chose the following committee to take charge of funerals: 
Col. Luther Stone in North West district; Asahel Billings in North 
district; Silas Burgess in East district; Capt. Wm. Abell in South 
district; Capt. AI. James in West district. 

1833. 

July 4, the citizens celebrated the day by giving an ovation to the 
survivino- soldiers of the Revolution. Forty-two of their number from 
this and adjoining towns were present, and listened with interest to 
the address of Rev. Benjamin Holmes of Chesterfield, a native of 
England. The veterans were men of athletic frame, and even then 
retained somewhat of their youthful strength and bearing. The ad- 
dress was the eloquent tribute of an Englishman to the patriot heroes 
of America. One sentence is remembered: — "These men were raised 
up by Providence, stalwart, vigorous, brave, to achieve the indepen- 
dence of the nation " The services were held in the old church, and 
the choir under the lead of F. P. Stone, contributed to the interest of 
the occasion by singing those inspiring pieces, "Bruce's Address," 
"America," and the "Ode on Science." The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was read by Col. Kinney of Chesterfield, chief marshal of 
the day. 

After the benediction the roll prepared for the occasion was called 
by Nehemiah Richards, Esq., of Cummington, the old soldiers re- 
sponding and forming in line as their names were called. Col. 
Patrick Bryant of Chesterfield, another veteran, took command of 
the out of-door exercises. The veterans marched off in fine order, 
led, it is said, by F. P. Stone and John White, drummers, and Levi 



HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. 31 

Banus, fifer. Af(er partaking of an excellent dinner at the hotel 
then kept by Israel B. Tiiompson, they again nut in "martial array" 
and went through the manual exercise, to tlie no small delight of a 
crowd of spectators. It was a pleasant occasion, and none eiijoved 
it more than did " the old pensioners," as tiiey were usually called in 
their later years. It was the last gathering of so many of their num- 
ber in this vicinity, and many of the old heroes piobably never met 
again. Major Ambrose Stone, who died in 1S50 at the age of 93, 
and Zebulon Willcutt, who died at the same age in 1852, were the 
last of that heroic band who resided in this town. 

November 13, occurred one of the most remarkable meteoric dis- 
plays ever witnessed in this country. It took place about 4 o'clock 
in the morning, and very few had the pleasure of seeing it. Mr. Levi 
Barrus saw the display, and described it as one of the most magnifi- 
cent sights he ever beheld. The air seemed to be full of shoo.ting 
stars ; all left brilliant trails behind them, and often one larger than 
the others would shoot across the heavens with a flash like lightning. 
They extended from Nova Scotia to Mexico. A gentleman in South 
Carolina said, " The scene was truly awful, for never did rain fall 
much thicker than the meteors fell towards the earth ; east, west, 
north and south, it w.is the same.'' 

There is usually a slight display of meteors at the same date, every 
year. Once in ^;^ or 34 years the exhibition is 010 a grand scale. In 
1799, November 12 or 13, it was witnessed in different parts of Amer- 
ica. Humboldt was in South America, and said that for four hours 
every space in the heavens of three diameters of the moon was filled 
with the falling stars. In 1866 the display was not so brilliant here 
as in some other places, but sufficient to confirm the belief of its 
return every 33 or 34 years. The people of 1S99 or 1900 may expect 
to witness another first class meteoric shower. 

1837. 

This year was noted for the general suspension of the banks, ex- 
tensive financial distress, and many failures among business men. 

The " Surplus Revenue" was distributed by the United States 
government among the states, and by this state to the towns. This 
town voted. May 15, to receive its proportion, and to comply with the. 
conditions. Col. I.uther Stone was appointed agent to receive the 



82 IIISTOKY OF GOSHEN. 

money, and sign certificate of deposit, binding the town for repay- 
ment when required. The total amount received was $1,255.78. 

January 25. One of tiie most remarkable exhibitions of Northern 
Lights or Aurora Borealis ever witnessed in this latitude occurred in 
the {;vening of this day. The whole northern hemisphere was cov- 
ered with most beautiful and ever-varying coruscations of auroreal 
light. A deep tinge of red prevailing for several hours was however 
the most striking feature. The snow retiecting the color, seemed as if 
stained with blood. The beams of the aurora would frequently pass 
into the southern heniisjjhere, shooting up and converging at that 
point below the zenith to which the dipping needle directs itself. 
The compass needle was singularly agitated during the display. The 
night was severely cold. 

1840. 

'I'own consents to William Jones being set off to Chesterfield. 

This year marked a new era in political campaigns, — log cabins, 
hard cider and political songs, playing an important part in the elec- 
tion of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too." 



1844. 



The potato disease commenced here quite generally this year. It 
was first observed about the 20th of September, the potato vines 
changing in two or three days from a healthy appearance to an almost 
black. The tubers decayed to such an extent that some fields 
would hardly pay for harvesting. 

1845. 

New road built from near tlie house of Levi Barrus to Ashfield line 
near Ranney's mills. 

1846. 

A geographical division was made of the town into school dis- 
tricts, the previous division by families not being considered legal. 



HISTOKV OK (iOSllKN. .)•) 

1.848. 

A'otecl to l)uil 1 a town liouse, using as mucli of the Suiplus Revenue as needed 
for that pur])os-e. Luther Stone, Edward Bridgnian, West Tilton, II. Washburn, 
)r., and Daniel Williams were chosen l^uilding committee. 

1858. 

Benjainin White, Esq., conimiltee on the "James Eund," reported 
that Capt. Malachi James had always been a member oE the commit- 
tee on the fund left by his father, John James, till his decease in 1849, 
and had the principal care of it, holding the notes and receiving and 
loaning the money. The notes received from the executor of Capt. 
James amounted to $1,228.84. 

1854. 

New road built from Levi Barrus's to Col. Stone's " Red House." 

1861. 

May 6. Voted to raise $209 for the purpose of prepaying volunteers for service 
in the present war, to be assessed and expended under direction of the following 
cammittee:— Calvin A. Packard, Henry Tilton, liirani Packard, Daniel Williams, 
and Francis Jepson. 

October 7. Voted to furnish aid to those citizens of the town who have already 
volunteered their services to the government, and the selectmen are authorized to 
hire money for that purpose. 

1862. 

August 16. Benjamin White, Esq., appointed Town Clerk in place of Alvan 
J^arrus, enlisted as a soldier. 

September 10. Town voted that those citizens who have enlisted for three years, 
be paid Si 00 bounty, and that the same be paid those who may voluntarily enlist 
for nine months. 

18()8. 

January 19. Voted to pay $100 bomity for four volunteers, being the town's 
<luota Miule;- recent orders. 

Voted to raise $1,140 for payment of bounties. 

April 6. Selectmen authorized to borrow 55300 to jjay State Aid. 

18()4. 

April 4. Voted to raise $125 for each volunteer required to fill quota under call 
of October 17, 1863, and February i, 1864. 



34 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

1865. 

May 22. Voted to reimburse all moneys paid by drafted men during the present 
war for substitutes or commutation. (Rescinded in iS66). 

1871. 

March 6. The jaines P\incl was tiansferied to the care of the 
Selectmen. 

1873. 

March 3. Alvan Barrus chosen agent for taking care of ''James 
Fund." 

1874. 

Burying ground enhirged by an addition upon the west side of 141 
rods, 125 feet of land. Alvan Barrus, Hiram Packard and Jolin H. 
Godfrey chosen Cemetery committee. 

1879. 

March 3. Voted to accept tlie donation of $750 under the will of 
Whiting Street. 

The terms of the will are : To pay certain sums of money to cer- 
tain towns named,* in trust for the relief and comfort of the worthy 
poor of said towns, who shall not be in the almsliouse, nor be town 
paupers. The towns are to agree to forever keep the principal good 
and spend the income, annually, for this and no other purpose, on 
penally of forfeituie. 

* The other towns named are: Northampton ami Ilolyoke each §25,000; Chicopee, 
Amherst, Kastlianipton, eai-h $6,000; S. Hadley and W. Hpringfield, each $5,000; Belcher- 
town, William.sburgh and Agawam, each $-^,000; Conway and Southampton, $2,000 ; Granby, 
$1,750; Ashiield, Cunuuington and AVovthington, each $1,.")00; Chesterfield, Westhamptou, 
Huntington and EntieM eacli, $1,000; Plainlkld, $750. 

1880. 

March I. Geo. Dresser, Moderator; Fred S. Billings, Clerk ; Alvan Barrus, 
Hii.im Packard, Alonzo Shaw, Selectmen. School Committee for 3 years, Geo. 
C. Dresser. Raised for support of Schiiols $300. 

Voted to build new school heuse in West District. 

Voted to appoitit a committee to make arrangements for celebrating, in iSSr, tl.e 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 35 

one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. Chose Alvan Barrus, 
Geo. Dresser, Iliram Packard, T. P. Lyman, J, IT. Godfrey, 'J'. L. Barrus, Alonzo 
Shaw. 

Voted to raise -S150 for payment of expenses on that occasion. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Tonii iin«l County Oflicei-H, Ac 

Town Clerics. 

The first Town Clerk, Tliomas Weeks, served two years. William 
White, Esq., was next chosen and served for thirty years. Joseph 
White, his son, succeeded hini and served fourteen years. Benj. 
White, Esq., another son, twin brother of Joseph, continued in the 
office fifteen years. Elijah Billings then served seven years ; and 
Hattil Washburn, Jr., liiree years. Benj. White was again called to 
the office in 1853 and declined a re-election in 1S62, when Alvan 
Barrus was chosen, but he resigning the same year, Mr. White was 
again re-elected, and completed the seventieth year of service by 
members of the same family — father and sons. The lefusal of Mr. 
White to be longer a candidate prevented his re-election. Joshua 
Knowlton served 1864 to 1867. Elijah Billings iSG'y to his decease, 
December 12 iSyg, when Charles Barrus was appointed. He served 
till the ne.xt annual meeting, March, 1880, when Frederick S. Bil- 
lings was chosen. 

Sclcctmot. 

1781 — William White, 1S31 — Timothy Lyman, 

Lemuel Lyon. John Grant, 

Christ. Bannister. Luther Slone. 



36 



HISTORY OV G08HEX, 



1782 — William White, 
Cliris. Banister, 
Oliver Taylor. 

1783— William White, 
Reu. Dresser, 
Oliver Taylor. 

1784 — William White, 
Rtu. Dresser, 
Eben'r Parsons. 

1785— William White. 
Reu. Dresser, 
Eben'r Parsons. 

1786 — Benj. Burgess, 
Thos. Brown, 
Chris'r Banister. 

1787- — Benj. Burgess, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Thomas Brown. 

X788— W^illiam White, 
Thomas Brown, 
Oliver Taylor. 

I789— William White, 
Thomas Brown, 
Oliver Taylor. 

1790 — Reuben Dresser, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Benj. Burgess. 

1791 — Reuben Dresser, 
Lem. Banister, 
Barz. Banister. 

1792 — Reuben Dresser, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Oliver Taylor. 

1793 — Oliver Taylor, 
Thomas Brown, 
Nehemiah May. 

1794 — Oliver Taylor, 
Ambrose Stone, 
Nehemiah May. 



1832 — John Grant, 

Asahel Billings, 
Horace Packard. 

1833 — Luther Stone, 

Asahel Billings, 
Horace Packard. 

1834 — Luther Stone, 
As-ahe" Bdlings, 
Frank. Naramore. 

1835 — Asahel Billings, 
Moses Dresser, 
Horace Packard. 

1836 — Asahe! Billings, 
Barney Prentiss, 
Wm. Tilt on. 

1837 — Emmons Putney, 
Francis Lyman, 
S. Bardwell. 

1838 — Luther Stone, 

Asahel Billings, 
Moses Dresser. 

1839 — Luther Stone, 
Moses Dresser, 
William Abell. 

J840 — William Abeli, 
F. Naramore, • 
Horace Packard. 

1841 — Luther Stone, 
Asahel Billings, 
F. Naramore. 

1842— Benj. White, 
West Tilton, 
Daniel Williams. 

1843 — F. Naramore, 
Luther Stone, 
Francis Dresser. 

1844 — F. Naramore, 
Luther Stone, 
Francis Dresser. 



HISTORY OF CJOSllKA. 



1795 — Nehemiah May, 
Eben Parsons, 
Jos. Naianiore. 

I 796 — Reuben Dresser, 
Eben Putney, 
Ambrose Stone. 

1797 — Nehemiali May, 
Josh. Abell, Jr., 
Geo. Salmon. 

1798 — Oliver Taylor, 
Ambrose Stone, 
George Salmon. 

'799 — Oliver "^I'aylor, 
Ambrose Stone, 
Justin Parsons. 

iSoo — Justin Parsons, 
(leo. Salmon, 
Alph. Naramore. 

I Sot — Oliver Taylor, 
Geo. Salmon, 
Alpheus Naramore. 

1S02 — C)liver Taylor, 
John Williams, 
Sol. Parsons. 

1S03 — Reuben Dresser, 
John Williams, 
Jos. Naramore. 

1S04 — Justin Parsons, 
Ambrose Stone, 
Geo. Salmon. 

1805 — Justin Parsons, 
Ambrose Stone, 
Geo. Salmon. 

1S06 — Reuben Dresser, 
Dr. E. Coney, 
John Williams. 

1807 — Reuben Dresser, 
Ambrose Stone, 
[ohn Grant. 



1845 — F. Naramoie, 

Ralph Utley, 

Free maw Sears. 
1846 — Ambrose Stone, Jr., 

F. Sears, 

West 'J'ilton. 
1847 — Freeman Sears, 

F. Dresser, 

West Tilton. 
1S48 — Freeman Sears, 

F. Dresser, 

West Tilton. 
1849 — Freeman Sears, 

F. Dresser, 

West Tilton. 
1850 — Freeman Sears, 

Frank Naramore, 

West Tilton. 
1S51 — F. Naramore, 

Asahel Billiiiirs, 

George Abell. 
1S52 — J. Milton Smi:h, 

Asahel Billings, 

George Abell. 
1853 — Asa Wiiite, 

Franklin Naramore, 

Ralph Utley. 
1854 — Franklin NararHore. 

Asa White. 

Ralph Utley. 
1855 — F. Sears, 

Asahel Billings, 

Reuben Gardner. • 
1856 — F. Sears. 

Hiram Barrus, 

C!alvin A. Packard. 
1S57 — F. Sears, 

Hiram Packard, 

Henrv \\'hite. 



38 



HISTORY OP GOSHEN. 



1808 — John Grant, 

Giles Lyman, 

Gershoni Cathcart. 
1809 — John Grant, 

G. Cathcart, 

Timotiiy Lyman, Jr. 
1810 — John Grant, 

J. Abell, Jr., 

Timothy Lyman, Jr. 
18 1 1 — Jolin Grant, 

J. Abell, Jr., 

Timothy Lvman, Jr. 
1S12 — John C.Lyman, 

J. Packard, Jr., 

Oliver Taylor. 
1813 — Oliver Taylor, 

Ambrose Stone, 

John C. Lyman. 
1814 — Ambrose Stone, 

Jolm C. Lyman, 

Beiij. White. 
1815 — John C. Lyman, 

Josh. Packard, Jr., 

Benj. White. 
1S16 — John C. Lyman, 

Josh, Packard, Jr., 

Benj. White. 
1S17 — Ambrose Stone, 

Tim. Lyman, 

Reuben Dresser. 
1818 — 'I'imothy Lyman, 
Benj. Wiiite, 

Joseph Putney. 
1819 — Timothy Lyman, 
Jienj. White, 
Robert Webster. 
1820 — Timothy Lyman, 
Robert Webster, 
Luther Stone. 



1858 — Hiram Barrus, 

Calvin A. Packard, 
C. C. Dresser. 

.1859 — Hiram Barrus, 

Calvin A. Packard, 
C. C. Dresser. 

i860 — F. Sears, 

Hiram Packard, 
Ralph E. Smith. 

1 86 1 — Hiram Barrus, 

Calvin A. Packard, 
C. C. Dresser. 

1862 — Calvin A. Packard, 
C. C. Dresser, 
Alonzo Shaw. 

1863 — Calvin A. Packard, 
C. C. Dresser, 
Geo. Dresser. 

1864 — Calvin A, Packard, 
Geo. Dresser, 
Alonzo Shaw. 

1S65 — Calvin A. Packard, 
Alvan Barrus, 
J. Knowlton. 

1866— Calvin A. Packard, 
Alvan Barrus, 
Joshua Knowlton. 

1867 — P^reeman Seafs, 
Daniel Williams, 
Tim'y D. Pierce. 

1868 — Freeman Sears, 
Daniel Williams, 
Tini'y D. Pierce. 
1869— C. A. Packard, 
Geo. Dresser, 
Alvan Barrus. 

1870 — Alvan Barrus, 

Timothy P. Lyman. 
John H. Godfrey. 



HISTORY OF (iOSllEX. 



182 I — Timothy Lyman, 
Robert Webster, 
Luther Slone. 

1822 — Timothy Lyman, 
Robert Webster, 
Luther Stone. 

1823 — I'imothy Lyman, 
Robert Webster, 
Luther Stone. 

1824 — Benj. White, 
John Grant, 
Joshua Simmons. 

1825 — Benj. White, 

Asahel Billings, 
Francis Lyman. 

1S26— Benj. White, 
Luther Stone, 
Joshua Packard. 

1S27 — Benj. White, 

Joshua Simmons, 
Asahel Billings. 

1S2S — Timothy Lyman, 
John Grant, 
Samuel Luce. 

1829 — Timothy Lyman, 
John Grant, 
Lutiier Stone. 

1830 — Timothy Lyman. 
John Grant, 
Luther Stone. 



i>>'ji — Alvan Barrus, 

John H. Godfrey, 
Joseph Beals. 

1^72 — Alvan Barrus, 

John H. Godfrey, 
Joseph Beals. 

1N73 — Wni. S. Packard, 
Geo. ,NLayor, 
Elisha H. Hayden. 

iN74 — Wm. S. Packard, 
E. H. Hayden, 
Lorin Barrus. 

1S75— Wm. S. Packard, 
Lorin Barrus, 
J. H. Godfrey, 

1876 — Wm. S. Packard, 
Lorin Barrus, 
J. H. Godfrey. 

1877 — Alvan Barrus, 

Hiram Packard, 
J. H. Godfrey. 

1878 — Alvan Barrus, 
Hiram Packard, 
J. H.Godfrey. 

iSTg — Alvan Barrus, 

Hiram Packard, 
Alonzo Shaw. 

18S0 — Alvan Barrus, 

Hiram Packard, 
Alonzo Shaw. 



/t(j)resnitatires to Crcnrra/ Court. 



1805, Justin Parsons; 1806, Nehemiah May; 180S, Rev. S. Whit- 
man; 1809. Wm. WMiite; 1810-11-12-14, OH\er Taylor; 1813, Nehe- 
miah May; 1815, Ambrose Stone; 1816, Timothy Lyman; and he was 
also chosen delegate to the Constutional Convention in 1S20, 1827, 
Ambrose Stone; 1829, Joshua Simmons; 1834, Asahel Billings; 



40 lllsTOIIV OF (iOSHEX. 

J 835-6-7, Rev. Wm. Hubbard; 1838, Benjamin White; 1S39, Luthei" 
Stone; 1840, Asahel Billings; 1841, Frederick P. Stone; 1842, Frank- 
lin Naraniore; 1843, Benjamin White; 1849, Luther Stone; 1851, 
William Tilton; 1852, Asahel Billings; 1853, Franklin Naramore, 
1S53, lienjaniin White, delegate to Constitutional Convention ; 1862, 
Rev. John C.Thompson, elected from the district comprising Goshen, 
Plainheld, Cummington, Worthington, and Middlefield, without an 
opposing vote; 1867, Calvin A. Packard; 1873, Hiram Packard; 
1879, Alvan Barrus. 

Justices of the Pcfirc, trif/i d/itcs of Coiiniiiss/o]). 

William White, 1785, 1792, 1799, 1806, 1S13, 1819. Died 1S21. 

Benjamin Burgess, 1786. 

Oliver Taylor, 1810, 1817, 1824. Died 1826. 

John Williams, 181 1, 1817, 1824, 1832*. 

Timoth}' Lyman, 1S22, 1829. Died 1831. 

Joseph White, 1S27, (removed from the county). 

Benjamin White, 1832, 1839, 1846, 1853, i860* 1S67* 

Asahel J5illings, 1834*, 1841*. 

Luther Stone, 1837, 1845, 1852, 1S59, 1866*. 

Hiram Barrus, 1856, 1861, (removed from the county). 

Calvin A. Packard, 1861* 1867, 1774* 

Alvan Barrus, 1874. 

Coroner. 

Ambrose Stone, 1803 to 1850. 

Special CoHiili/ Connii/ssioi/cr. 

Benjamin White, 1838 to 1842. 

J>r/)tt/f/ Slicrif. 

Solomon Parsons served under Sheriff ALattoon. 

■'•Did ii'il (jiialily. 




AlbertyiH— Fnilii-s C".. Boston 



REV. J. C. THOMPSON. 



IirSTOllY OF GOSMEX. 41 



CHAPTER V. 

The Cowjre'jationa! Church. 

Tiue to the Pilgrim idea, the church and the school — the heart 
and the head of tiue prosperity — received early attention and have 
always btien cherished institutions among the people iiere. This, 
church, the first in tlie plac', was oginized December 21, 1780, 
nearly five months before the incorporation of the town. It is a fact, 
not without interest, that its oiganization, whether intended or not, 
occurred on "Forefather's Day," — 160 years from the day on which 
the Pilgriiws landed on Plymouth Rock. 

The earliest record of the church is the following: — 

Chesterfiek] Gore, Deceml)er 21, 1780. 
A church was gatlicred in this place and properly incorpioratef] [organized] bv 
the Reverend Mr. Josiah Kilburn, pastor of the church ii^ Chesterfield. At the 
same time the church made choice of one of the brethren, viz: Thomas Weeks for 
their clerk. Also at the same time, said church agreed to the followino' confession 
of Faith, Covenant, and Rules of Church Discipline — that is to sav: 

We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, the brethren of the Church of Christ 
in Chesterfield Gore, have mutually agreed, and unanimously Consented to the fol- 
lowing Confession of Faith, Covenant, "iind Rjies of Church Discipline as the Rule 
of our Faith and Practice in this <.hurch. 

(Signed) Thomas Wf.eks, 
Lkmuki. Lyon, 
Thomas f5R(nv.v, 
Damki, nuowN', 
John SMrrn. 

The Confession, Covenant and Rules follow, but it seems unui-ces - 
sary to reproduce them here. 

The records do not distinctly indicate the nauies of a'l v\ii , , Mucd 
the church at its organization, but the following are given without 
date as members previous lo 17^3: 

Thomas Weeks, Nehemiah May, 

Mary Weeks, Jeienvaii Hailock, 

*Leinuel Lyon, Alse Hailock, 

*John Smith, Marv Grimes, 



42 



III8TOEY OP GOSHEN. 



*Sarah Smith, 
*Thomas Brown, 
*Judiih Brown, 
*Daniel Brown, 
*Dorcas Brown, 

Arteinas Stone, 

Jerusha Stone, . 

Joseph Banister, 
*Deborah Banister, 

Christopher Banister, 

Mary Banister, 



*Justin Parsons, 
Hannah Parsons, 
Ebenezer Putney, 
Farnuni While, 

tMarcy White, 
Christoplier Grant, 
Elizabeth Grant, 
Abiel Banister, 
Margaret May, 

*D.Avid Stearns, 
Lemuel Banister — ^ 



The first meeting of the church for business was held one week 
later, when choice was made of Rev. Josiah Kilburn of Chesterfield, 
as moderator in case of emergency while they continued destitute of 
a pastor. Voted, that brother Thomas W^eeks read the Psalm in this 
church when they assemble for religious worship. Voted, that broth- 
er John Smith lead in singing. 

March 26, 17S1, it was voted to call to the pastorate, Rev. Joseph 
Barker, who had been preaching here for nearly a year. The "cove- 
nanters" and others in the vicinity, were invited 10 join with the 
church in calling Mr. Barker and in making proposals for his support. 
Thomas Weeks, Thomas Brown, and Lemuel Lyon were a committee 
to wait on the candidate with the call. He did not accept, but in the 
same year became pastor of the church in Middleboro, where he died 
in 1 815, He appears to have been an able man, and was member of 
Congress 1S05 to 1S08. 

From the earliest settlements in this state it was a pre-requisite of 
the incorporation of a town that it should have a church alieady or- 
ganized, or about to be. For a lorg peiiod, none but chuich mem- 
bers could hold office in town or state. Naturally enough church 
membership became very popular wi;h two classes, those who wished 
t0 be thought lespectable and those who wanted office. Very effi- 
cient men outside of the church were often wanted to serve in impor- 
tant positions, who were not available under this disability. So the 
^'half-way covenant" was invented, by which men of correct morals 
could so far become church members as to avoid the disabilities of 



* Kpceivfdfroin lii-.st cliurch in Chesterfield. f "^Vife of William Wliile. 



HLSTOKY OF GOSHEN. 43 

non-mei)ibciship. Akin to this was tlie parish system — well intended 
and in soaie respects desirable. But these devices for qualifying men 
for office and filling the churches, pioved a ruinous policy for what 
were known as the Orthodox churchts. Moral men did not always 
prove to be in the strictest sense religious men. They did not relish 
some of the doctrines held by the churcii and proclaimed from the 
pulpit.- So there came to be a demand for more liberal preaching 
and preachers. Tiie moral element of the churches — the half-way 
covenanters — found themselves, in many casiiS, the majority of the 
church and parish, and the "liberal" preacliers were put in the place 
of the less liberal. Tiie neu- pastors preached easy doctrines, church 
membership became more easy than ever, morality was substituted 
for religion, and so in many cases the Orthodo.K Congregational 
ciiurches naturally drifted over into Unitarian Congregational 
churches, taking with them the church building and property. " 

But this church appears to have kept due watch and care over its 
members. One sister confesses to having told wrong stories, and 
heartily asks the forgiveness of the church ; on a subsequent com- 
plaint for absolute I}ing, she is excommunicated. One b.'other com- 
plains of the discipline of the church in receiving a verbal complaint 
against himself " without proof." The church takes the place of the 
alleged offender and acknowledges its error. Another brother makes 
amends for having ordered another member to withdraw from com- 
munion ; another for breach of covenant, absence from the meetings, 
and denying in particular the doctrine of Free Sovereign Election, is 
admonished.* Occasionally one is excommunicated, and, that the 
offender might fully realize the full force of this act of the church, 
one of the articles of discipline required the members to forbear 
to associate, or familiarize with him any further than the necessity of 
natural, civil, domestical relations, or humanity required, that he 
might bj ashamed; agreeably to 2 Thess. 3:14, i5- Notwithstand- 

* What the cliurch at that time umk'rstood by "denying the doctrines of Free .*;<)vereijrn 
Kleetion," we are not infoi-med. It may mean, however, that tlie church did not nnder- 
-tand the duetrins as the ofleuder understood it. From wliat i.s known of tlic offending' 
hrother/it is safe to infer tliat his views were more nearly in sympathy with the cliurcli of 
tlie present, tlian of his own thne. Like some of tlie ol.l En-lish martyrs, he may have 
been one who had the fortune, or misfortune, to live in advance of his time, and tin refcre 
not in svmpathy with his contemporaries. The man who bases his theology <.n hisown 
careful and prayerful study of the bible is usually in a<lvance of the creeds ol his cl.urcli 
and times. 



44 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

in^ th:< scem;ng strictness of discipline there were Juies of ciiaruy 
running through its action. A vote was passed, embodying the apos 
tolic idea " if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye wtich are spiritual 
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness " in the following terms : 

Voted that aggrieved members who have t; ken the first steps in discipline with- 
oat success, lay their case before the committee that " transacts the piudcn- 
tials of the churcb, who are to use their endeavors for the reconciliation of the con- 
tending parlies. If unsuccessful they are to prepare and present the case to the 
church. 

Ti:e Bialter of sieging seems to liave been, as it sometimes has in 
later years, an element of occasional discord, which probably caused 
the passage of the following votes: 

Voted that the church ought to govern in the worship oi God . 
Voted the church shall govern. 

Voted that we disapprove of the present niede of singing. 

Voted to choose a committee to make 2. collection of tunes to be - . - .. - 

cf public worship. 

It was fiHally decided to sing on the Sabbaib in the forenoon and 
the first lime in the afternoon only, by reading line by line. Hymn 
books were scarce, and made this rrce---;-.ry. which was called " dea- 
coning off the hymns." 

But singing matters, always sensutve j.:.d often ui.ceriair., geiitraliV 
have their own way in the end, and within a year a vole was passed 
allowing the singing to be performed without reading as often as the 
choristers see fit. Up to this time the men seem to have had the 
church meetings all to themselves, but 'now a vo'.e was passed break- 
ing up the exclusiveness, by declaring that "the sisters of the church 
have a right to attend all the church meetings. ' 

For seven years no pastor was settled, ihou^ ..ad been ex- 

tended to Elisha Huichinson; Jeremiah Hallcck oi this town, who 
settled in West Simsbury, (Canton) Conn.; Mase Shepard, father of 
Prof, C. U. Shepard of Amherst college; Abraham Fowler, who ac- 
cepted, but finally withdrew, though a council was to meet for his 
settlement April 2, 1783. 

In 1787 two deacons were chosen— Oliver Taylor and Artemas 
Slor.e. Rev. Samuel Whitman of Ashby was called to the pastorate 
and was installed January 10, 17SS. The leacir? parts of ihe instal- 
lation services were as tollows: — 



IIlSlOPvY OF <.()>11EN. 45 

Rev. 'I'imothy Allen of Chesterfield, the moclciator of ihe couiicil, 
preached the seimign; Rev. Aaron Bascom of Chester, the scribe, led 
in praNer; Rev. Joseph Strong of U'llliamsburf^h, gave the charge; 
Rev. James Ijiiggs of Cuniniington, offered the closing prayer. 

The ciiurch sometinies exhibited its militant character in matters 
that at the present day are more often passed over in silent regret. 
The young people would have their parties and would sometimes 
dance. One of the church members kept a hotel, and perhaps allow- 
ed these parties the use of his hall, which mav account for a vote 
passed in 1796 — that "professors of religion are undef obligation to 
disallow and disapprove of frolicking and dancing in their houses, 
and should prevent their children and others under their care going 
abroad for the purpose of frolicking and dancing." On one occasion, 
a prominent member of the church, thought it his 'duty to enter his 
protest in person against one of these parties having a ball at the ho- 
tel. He was politely received by one of the leaders, who, understand- 
ing the purpose of the visit, said, "Deacon, if you wish to dance a 
figure with us I will introduce you to a partner, but if you come in to 
make trouble you will go out a mighty sight quicker than you came 
in." The good man took the hint and did not wait to dance, or to 
be lielpcd out. 

The landlord had a human, as well as religious side, and like edi- 
tors of the present dav did not hold himself responsilile for all the 
communications of his patrons. Complaint was entered against liim 
for allowing dancing at his house, and kept before the church for ten 
years, when it was dismissed and he was restored to fellowship. 

In the year 1800 the church passed a vote that seemed more leni- 
ent than the general sentiment cf that day allowed in fegard to the 
doctrines. The vote was " that no confession of faith be read to 
persons in order for admission to the church," but assent was 
required to a covenant then adopted for future use. The church 
interested itself early in the cause of missions, and in 1802 chose 
Dea. Taylor as delegate to a convention in Northampton to ratify a 
constitution for a missionary society. The church adopted " the plan 
of the Berkshire Association for the family covenant and catechising 
©f children." The features of this plan are not explained, but may 
have been that which was carried out by the pastor in his weekly 
visits to the schools, when the pupils were lequired to an5.wer 



46 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

the qu'.'stions in the Westminsler catechism. It was considered 
quite an accomplishment to i)e able to answer every question. Mr. 
Reuben Smith, an Amherst boy, in later years a member of this 
church, commilted the catechism to memory wlien ten years of age. 
In his 88th year lie repeated it to iiis pastor, Rev. T. H. Rood, with- 
out an error. The Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, on learn- 
ing the fact, sent him an elegant volume of its publications.* 

The pastorate of Mr. Whitman, tiiough the pastors of his day were 
understood to be settled fur life, was brought to a close in 1818, after 
a long and unpleasant controversy. One of the chief reasons said 
to have been urged for his dismission, was that he had made some 
departure from the orthodox standards of faith. But possibly feel- 
ing had as much to do with the matter as principle had. He was a 
studious man, and the author of several theological volumes. Ab- 
sorbed in matters of thought, he was reserved in manner, and possi- 
ijly had imbibed to some extent the old time notion that a minister 
was something more than a man ; for the ]Doet once said : 'Ministers 
and monarchs are awful names." One of the bovs of his dav, now 
residing in another part of the State, gives the following lecollec- 
tions of him. Pastors who ignore the boys may proht by the lesson 
they furnish. 

"Mr. Whitman was not socicd with young people. My father once 
sent me with a nice cjuarier of veal as a present to him. On learn- 
ing my errand he said: ' Well lay it down on that table' — and that 
was all. I never' carried another. A boy went to visit one of his 
boys, and Mr. Whitman asked, ' Boy, what did you come after.?' 
'Nothing sir," was ihe reply. "Well, take nothing and go home.' 'I 
have nothing to put it in, sir,' fiom the hoy, ended the colloquy, and 
perhaps also the boy's respect for the pastoi". 

" Many thought him erroneous in doctrine, but I now think he did 
not explain his views clearly, and therefore was notunderstood. 'Ihe 
council which met to investigate matters in relation to his dismission 
was composed of nine ministers and their delegates. The council 
was in session three days. It was in the years before the temperance 
reforai had made much, progress, and the society had to pay for 120 

* One l)oy who occasioiKiUy atleniU'il tlie rohcarsnls had a less tenac^ions niemoiy. 
Beinjf asked l)y Mr. VVliitnian, "Who Avas the lirst man:-"' replied, "W ell, I don't remember 
exactly. It was rather late when 1 got here, but I guess it was Adam, or Eve, or Mcthusa- 
leh." 



HISTORY OF aOSTIP]X. 47 

mugs of sling used by the coLincil during llieir session. In these 
times explanation may be needed to learn wliat a niug of sling was : 
a half pint of spirit with water, well sweetened with loaf sugar. Yet 
I believe the council were good pious men, Init without the light that 
shines upon us." 

His work — the best test of his ministry — appears to have l.'cen 
approved of his Master, ar.d nearly one hundied and twenty were 
added to the church during his pastorate. He died suddenly Decem- 
ber i8, 1826, aged 75 years. He was a graduate of Haivard College, 
1775. His wife, Grace Cheever, was a lelalive of the rc;iowned 
EzeUiel Cheever, for 70 years a teacher in B )-to:i and New Haven. 
Mr. Whitman resided where Mr. Emmons Putney now lives. His 
son Ephraim was a printer, and worked his press in his father's house. 
He published .some of his father's works here, and a few pamph- 
lets for other parties. His press afterward went to Poultney, Vt., 
and was used ifi iprnting a newspaper there. 

Rev. Joel Wright, second pastor of the church, graduate of Dart- 
mouth College, 1809, was installed September 26, 1821, and remained 
here; seven years. The house of J. H^ Godfrey was built as a parson- 
age for him. An affecting incident attended his removal to this 
town. The parents brought with them the remains of a deceased 
child for burial in the cemetery here. 

The pastorate of Mr. Wright was not marked by any specially 
stirring incidents. He labored faithfully for the best interests of his 
people, by whom he was much beloved. 

Mr. Wrigiit was previously installed in Leverett, Mass., December 

9, 1S12 ; dismissed January 26, 1820. 

Rev. Henrv B. Holmes from Stratford, England, third pastor, was 
installed Se|)teiyiber 25, 1830. He was active in doing good, an elo- 
quent speaker, and greatly endeared to his people. 75 were added 
to the church during his short slay here. He was dismissed January, 
1833. Tlic church numbered January 7, 1831, 69 members — 21 
male, 48 female; January t, 1832, 98 members — 29 male, 69 female. 

Rev. Stephen Mason, graduate of Williams College, 1812, fourth 
pastor of the church, was installed June 22, 1836, dismissed April 

10, 1S37. He rt moved to Marshall, Mich., where he died Noveniber 
8, 1870. 



48 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Rev. John C. Thompson, of Heath, fifth pastor, graduate of Am- 
herst College, 1S29, was installed October 4, 1837, The installation 
services were conducted as follows : Introductory prayer by the 
scribe, Rev. Wm. Lusk of U'iliianisburgh ; installing" prayer by the 
moderator, Rev. Moses ]\Iiller of Heath ; sermon by Rev. Horatio 
Bardwell of Oxford ; charge to the pastor by Rev. M. G. Wheeler of 
Conway; right hand of fellowship, Rev. Israel G. Rose of Cliester- 
field ; address to the people by Rev. Mr. Mitcliell of Northampton ; 
concluding prayer by Rev. M. E. White of Southampton, 

In 1841 Mr. Thompson was compelled by failing health to give up 
active laboi-, for a time, and was dismissed in 184-, greatly to the 
sorrow of his people, by whom he was highly respected. He was a 
model pastor, a peace-maker, a man of devoted piety, zealous in e\ery 
good work, a faithful preacher. The result of his labors was more 
manifest in the healthy growth and general prosperity of the church 
during his pastorate than in large accessions by revivals. 

Rev. Royal Reed, sixth pastor, was installed October 19, 1S42, 
dismissed June 15, 1S47. He was a man of ability, sociable, and 
faithful in his calling. 42 were added to the church under his min- 
istry. 

Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, who had supplied the pulpit for a time 
after the dismission of Mr. Whitman, again supplied till the failure of 
his health in 1849. His death occurred in Norihfoid, Conn., the 
same year. He Vv'as a good man, an earnest preacher, and much 
respected. 

Kev. Robert Crossett from Alstead, N. H., came soon after and 
remained till 1853, but was not installed here. He was an active 
laborer in christian work, a faithful minister, a ready speaker and a 
good man. He died in Cincinnati. 

Rev. Thomas Hancock Rood, the seventh settled pastor of the 
church, was born in London, Eng., March 5, 1823, and commenced 
preaching at the early age of twenty with great orornise of usefulness. 
Soon after, he oame to this country, and resided for a short time at 
Albany, N. Y. There he lost by a fire a fine library which he brought 
from England. About the year 184S he pieached two years at 
Jamaica, Vt., as his first stated ministry in this country. Having 




Albcrt.vpi'— Foi-lK-s Cn., Boston 



REV. THOMAS H. ROOD. 



HISTORY OF G08IIE\. 49 

married a second wife* in tiiat place, he removed to Sheboygan, Wis., 
where hs preached about tlie same length of time. His iiealth fail- 
\n<X, he came east for a more favorable climate, and settled in Goshen, 
Mass., May, 1S53, but was not installed until Jan. 31, 1855. Rev. J. 
H. Bisbee, of VVorthington, preached the installation sermon ; ihe 
right hand of fellowship was given by Rev. \V. H. Gilbert of Ashfield ; 
charge to the people by Rev. George Adams of Conway; charge to 
the pastor by Rev. Jaied O. Knapp of Hatfield. He was dismissed 
in 1S61, having had a l,onger pastorate than any of his predecessors 
except Rev. Mr. Whitman. He removed to Southwick, Mass., where 
he was pastor of the Congregational church three yeais and a half, 
and was there married to Mrs. M. C. F. Vining. 

Closing his labors there he removed to Westfield, in 1865, for the 
purpose of educating his children. For the last five years of his life 
he was eng;nged most of the lime in supplying in various places 
vacant churches, which uniformly highly esteemed his labors. He 
was an accurate scholar, a rapid writer, social, correct in doctrine, 
upright in life, fiim and courteous. 

His death occurred at Westfield, September 29, 1870, from typhoid 
fever, after an illness of only a few days. His wife and two daugh- 
ters survive him. His remains were brought to Goshen and inferred 
by the side of his second wife, and among a people whom he remem- 
bered wiih affection, and who loved him tenderly while living;, and 
reveie his memory being dead. 

Rev. y. C. Thompson again supplied for a year, and was chosen 
by a unanimous vote to represent the district in the Legislature of 
1S62. He removed to Belvidere, Illinois, where he now resides. 

Rev. Sidney Holmaii succeeded Mr. Thompson, and preached 
here for about four years, then four in Windsor, and nearly four in 
Wethersfield', Vt., when, his health failing, he preached his last ser 
mon May 31, 1874. He retintud to his daughter's home in Goshen, 
and there closed his life December 31, 1874. He was bom in Roy- 
alston, Mass., January 5, 1800 ; graduated at Williams College, 
1S30 ; studied theology at Auburn Seminary ; settled first in S.uigus, 
afterward in Killingly, Conn., Webster and Millbury, Mass., preach- 
ing and teaching in the latter to^vn for several years. His first wife, 

* Miss .Jeuiiii' K. Ivi-Uogg. 



50 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

Myia Fisher of Templeton, the mother of bis five children, died here, 
and he mnrried, second, L, Emeline Griswold, who survives him. He 
afterwards removed to Hoiyoke and taught school for seven vears, 
preaching also as he had opportunity. Mr. Holrnan was a faithful 
servant of Ids Master, and won the respect and good will of his peo- 
ple and pupils wherever lie labored. He was a strong advocate of 
temperance, and started a total abstinence pledge in college. Dr. 
Griffin, the president, said, '" Holman, you are too fast, for I drink a 
little wine ;" but afterwards he said, " Holman, you was right and I 
was wrong." 

While in college he was classmate and room-mate with Hon. J. M. 
Howaid, U. S. Senator from Michigan. Howard was not a profes- 
sor of religion, but he much respected the quality of that which Hol- 
man possessed, and would turn the key of their room before retiring, 
and say, '"Clium, read the good book and say tlie good word before 
we tuin in."' 

Rev. H. M. Rogers came in February, 1S67, and supplied till the 
summer of 1S68. A man of good talents, and much energy and 
decision of character. He has been pastor of the church in Holden 
since 1877. 

Rev. Townsend Walker commenced his labors here September, 
1S6S ; a native of Gieat Barrington, a graduate of Williams College ; 
settled first at Baldwinsville, N. Y., remaining nine years. His 
health was delicate for several years, and in A'larch, 1S73, he pro- 
posed lo close his labors heie, but such was the affection of his peo- 
ple that they continued his salary till iiis decease, July 31, 1873. In 
reply to a brother who asked how he felt in view of his approaching 
chanoe, he replied, " Why, just as I expected, and I want to disabuse 
youi- mind, and that of the biethren whom I often hear praying to be 
prepared for death, of the idea that you have anvthing to do with it. 
Your business is to be prepared for life and its obligations, and you 
need have no fear of death." He was buried in Goshen. 

Rev. Mr. Juchau succeeded Mr. Walker, and remained two years- 
He was an Englishman by birth. 

Rev. D. B. Lord commenced his labors in December, 1S76, and 
continued here about three years, when he removed to Blandford. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. ' 51 

Tlie earnest p.nd faithful labors of Mr. Lord resulted in a large acces- 
sion to the church and th'; quickeninj;- of its chiislian graces. 

Kev. Edward Clarke and otheis supplied till October, iSSo, when 
J. E. I\I. Wright, of Needham, accepted a call to the pastorate, and 
comnienced his labors. He was installed December 8, 188©. 

Deacons. 

*01iver 'J'aylor serveil 1787 to 1826 

*Artemas Stone '■ '7S7 1790 

*Tliomas Brown " '79° iSoi 

Justin Parsons '' 1801 1810 

C)ril Carpenter " 1809 1819 

Jonathan L3man " 18 10 1S34 

Stephen Parsons " 1822 1837 

Eben'r W. I'own " 1S33 1S38 

Asahel Ijillings " 1837 1S46 

Marcus Linsley - '"' 1S39 1S41 

*Bei)jani!n White " 1845 1873 

^Francis Lyman " 1S45 1851 

Theron L. Bai rus " 1858 now in office. 

Henry H. Tilton " 1861 1865 

*Elijah Billings " 1872 1879 

George Dresser " 1880 now in office. 

Artemas Stone died September 16, 1790, aged 43 years. The epi- 
taph upon his gravestonestates that about seven months before his 
death, he with great fortitude of mind, endured the amputation of 
botii his legs. Justin Parsons became a minister of the gospel and 
removed to Whiting, Vt. Asaiiel Billings, dismissed in 1846 to 
South Hadley Falls, returned in 1850, was re elected, but did not 
formally accept, though he continued to officiate till his death, 
December 4, 1866, at the age of 80 years. One of his pastors 
recorded against his name, "As good a deacon as ever lived.'' Car- 
penter and Town removed to Enfield, Stephen Patsons to Buckland, 
jNIarcus Linsley to Southwick. Jonathan Lyman was "dismissed" 
181S, re-chosen 1S22, removed to Northampton 1834. H. H. Tilton 
removed to Williamsburgh. T. L. Barrus resided in Cummington, 
1864 to 1867. 

* Died in office. 



52 HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. 

Revival Seasons. 

The church was early favored with revivals of rehgion, and seems 
to have been organized soon after such a season. The summer of 
1779 is said to have been "remarkable for the display of the power 
and mercy of God, in bringing lost men from the bondage of sin into 
the liberty of the gospel." Jeremiah Hallock, (afterwards Rev.) was 
one of the first fruits of this revival. In his Autobiography and Life, 
published in 1830, it appears that the first religious meeting of young 
people ever held in the town, was in June or July of that 3 ear. Not 
many weeks after this, he wroie, "I was called to do military duty; on 
the lelease of the company for a little refreshment — without any plan 
or intention of mine, — I found myself in a barn, near the place of pa- 
rade, surrounded by my fellow-youth and others, and exhorting them 
on the things of religion. One of ray friends was then awakened, 
who afterwards obtained hope. About tins time the awakening, 
which iiad been secretly advancing, began to break forth, and by the 
first of January, 17S0, it was spread considerably over the town. 
And tiiough the season was cold and thj snow very deep, (for this 
has since been distinguislied by the name of "The Kard Winter") 
yet the meetings were frequent, full and solemn. As we had no min- 
ister, and I was tiie first of the apparent converts, the lead of the 
meetings often devolved upon me; and my dear males looked to me 
for instruction, showed ms great respect, and put confidence in what 
I said. I lived this winter with Mr. — [Ebenezer Putne\]. As we 
were dressing flax, Febiuary 9th, in a back room, the fiax took fire, 
and burnt so quickly and furiously — the wind being high — that in a 
few minutes the flames peivaded the whole house, which was consum- 
ed, with nearly all its contents. * * * It gave me an impressive 
sense of the end of the world, and the inexpressible ccnsternalion of 
jDOor thoughtless sinners, who think as little of that dreadful hour as 
the old world thought of the flood, or as we thought of this fire till 
it came. During Maich and April I attended meetings most of the 

evenings. * * * i trust the Lord was jjracious with us and bless- 

... ♦. 

ed my poor exhortations to his children and to some thoughtless sin- 
ners." 

Mr. Hallock united with this church on the eighth of March, 
1781. About 20 others were probably received at this time or soon 
after. In 179S more than forty were added; in 1808, forty-seven; in 



I 



HISTOPvY or (iOSIIKX, OO 

1819, twelve; in 1S31, a season of remarkable revivals throughout ihe 
counti}', this church became more active. 'J'lie Confession of Faith 
and Covenant were printed; it was voted to lay aside the requirement 
of a written relation of experience from candidates foi' membership; 
the chuich met '"to consult for ihe prosperity of Zion, and after many 
confessions on the [Kiit of the members, I hey resolved to be in their 
closets every morninji- at 6 o'clock to pray for a revival (if relig;ion." 
The revival came, and during the year tlurty-tvvo persons were re- 
ceived into the church. 

One of the subjects of this revival — J. ]\Iilton Smiih — gives the fol- 
lowing account of it: — 

■'Jjefoie there was any apparent interest, Mi'. Holmes jDreached a 
very affecting discourse from Jeremiah, 13:1.7- — ■"But if ye will not 
hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride, &C.," ;ind 
fiom tlie text you may infer his subjecl. In the spring, a four days 
meeting was appointed, which was attended by neighboring ministers. 
Air. Kimball of Plainfield, preached from the words, "Treasuring up 
wrath against the day of wrath;" and Mr. Holmes preached a very 
impressive sermon uj^on the long suffering patience of God. Rev. 
Mr. Boardman, then of Connecticut, (a man who saw deep into the 
human hearl) was very successful in driving sinners from their refuge 
of lies. There were also inquiry meetings while th.e church was en- 
gaged in prayer in another apartment. Another means of promoting 
the revival tliat was perhaps as efficient as any, was the work of a 
visiting committee through the different districts for personal conver- 
sation with each individual." 

In 1843 '^ ^^eries of meetings, held for many days in succession 
dining the months of February and March, resulted in adding thirty- 
two more to the membership of the church. In 1S48 there were 22 
additions; in 1877, twelve; in 1879 tweuly-si.\. 

During the tiist ten years of the .history of the church, -from 1780 
to 1790, seventy-one were added to its membership; from 1790 to 
1800, fifty-nine; 1800 to 1810, seventy; i8io to 1820, twelve; 1820 to 
1830, forty two; 1830 to 1S40, eighty-four; 1840 to 1850, seveuty-nine; 
1850 to i860, forty-one; i860 to 1S70, fifteen; 1870 to iS8o inclusive, 
si.xty-three. 

The question is sometimes started, "what good comes of the 
church.'"' The influence of the church upon the people of this tow,-, 
may help to answer the question. 



5J: HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

The number of \'oung men, natives and residents of the town, who 
have fitted for the minibtry has been large as compared witli the pop- 
ulation. 

Jeremiah Hallock came herewith his father, Wm. HalIock,in 1776, 
at the age of eiglit years, was ordained as a preacher and dismissed 
froni the church in Goshen and recommended to the church at West 
Simsbury, in 17S5, preached forty years at Canton, Conn., with great 
success, died 1826. His memoir is too well known to need further 
remark in this sketch. 

IVIoses Hallock, biother of Jeremiah, united with this church in 
1784, graduated at Yale, 1788. was installed at Plainfield, 1792. He 
fitted more young men for college, it is said, than any man of his 
time. He died in 1837, at the age of 77. 

Rev. Justin Parsons, a native of Northampton, son of Lieut. Benja- 
min, who (lied in Goshen in 1777, was not a graduate of any college. 
He united with the church in Goshen at its organization or soon after. 
He was a man of strong intellect, of good business capacity, and re- 
ceived from his townsmen frequent proofs of their confidence, by 
electing him to positions of trust and ho.npr. When nearly fifty years 
of age he commenced the study of theology with his pastor, Rev. Mr. 
Whitman, and the Rev. Dr. West of Sti.)ckbridge. He was ordained 
pastor of the church in Whiting, Vt., January 24, iSio. He was dis- 
missed in 1S12, and in tlie next year was installed pastor over the 
united churches in Pittsfield and Stockbridge, Vt. He remained here 
till 183 1, and after his disnn"ssion preached iji Jamaica, Vt.,for about 
ten years. He then removed to Oberlin, Oiiio, and was a benefactor 
of the college founded there in 1833. He married ist, lAicretia Par- 
sons of Stockbridge, 1786; 2d, Electa Frary of Hatfield, 1788. He 
died at Ridgeville, Ohio, April 1847, aged 88 years. 

Levi Parsons, son of Rev. Justin and Mrs. Electa (Frar}^ Parsons, 
was born in Goshen, July 18, 1792. He possessed from childhood a 
most amiable disposition, and his parents never had occasion sharpl)^ 
to rebuke or correct him. He united with the church in the revival 
of 1808, but soon after removed with his parents to Whiting, Vt. He 
graduated at Middlebury college 1S14, Andover 1817, embarked at 
Boston under the direction of the American Board as a missionary to 
Palestine, Nov. 3, 1819, and arrived at Jerusalem, Feb 17, 1821. He 
remained there for a short lime busily engaged in distributing Bibles 
and tracts and visiting the principal places of historical interest, but 




REV. LEVI Parsons. 

MISSIOXAKY TO I'AI.KSlTNi:. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 55 

the unsettled state of the aff.iirs of llie country caused him to leave 
for Smyrna. At Syra lie was detained with serious sickness. At 
Smyrna his healtli again failed, and he went with !iis associate, Mr. 
Fisk, to Alexandria, hoping a change of climate would restore it. 
But he lived only a short time after his arrival. He died at Alexan- 
dria, Feb. lo^ 1S22. 'i'he annual report of the lioard said of him, 
"Few men in any employment, even among those who have been dis- 
tinguished for their piety, leave so spotless a name as was left by Mr. 
Parsons." His nat!V(; town possesses a pleasant memento of him in 
the beautiful maple shade trees that line the avenue leading to the 
residence of F. Willis Sears, about a mile north of the meetinghouse. 
TJie setting of the trees was the work of Levi in his boyiiood, while 
this was the homestead of his parents. An interesting biography of 
him was written by his brother-in-law, Rev. Daniel O. Morton. 

Benjamin Parsons, brother of Rev. Justin, became a lawyer, resided 
for some years in Chesterfield, which town he represented in the 
Legislature 1805-8, and soon after removed to Boston. He subse- 
quently became a preacher of the Unitarian faith in the West and 
author of several theological works. 

Silas Parsons, another brother of Rev. Justin, united with the 
church in Goshen by letter from Shelburne, in 1790; removed from 
Goshen to Chariemont about 1802; studied theoloiiy, and became 
pastor of the ciiurch in Sudbury, Vt, 

Erastus Parsons, son of Rev. Silas, entered Middlebury College 
18 10, and was active in Christian labor. In the whiter of 1 811 he taught 
school in Pittsford. His Itbors for the good of his pupils were inde- 
fatigable; a revival of religion in iiis school resulted in adding thirty 
youth to the church. His health failing, he took a dismission from 
college, but was licensed to preach in, May, 1812. He declined a 
pastorate, but continued to preach as his health permitted, till his de- 
cease in May, 18 13. 

Rev. Horatio Bardwell, D. D., born in Belchertown, November 3, 
1788, removed to Goshen with his father's family in 1S03; united 
with the church in May, 1808; entered Andover Seminary, 181 1; 
licensed to preach, 1814; ordained, June 21, 1815, as missionary,: 
sailed October 23, 1815; arrived at I!ombay, November 1, i8i6. 

Mr. Bardwell continued there till January, 1S22, when his health 



r>G 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 



having failed, tlie jDhysicians decided he could not live and labor in 
that climate. He renched Boston in November following, and was 
evenlually released from the service. His improving health allow'ed 
him to resume his labors in the ministry, and he was installed pastor 
of Ihe church in Holden, in 1823. He was appointed agent of the 
American Board in 1S32; installed pastor of the church in Oxford, 
June 8, 1836, from which, at his own request, he was dismissed June 
5, 1864. Andierst College conferred upon him, in 1857, the degree 
i)f Doctor of Divinity. 

His biographer says: ''The key (o the entire life and ciiaracter of 
Di'. Bardwell, is found iii his consecration to the work of missions. 
He pursued his studies just at the period when the chundies began 
to be stirred with a new zeal for extending the kingdom of God 
among ti)e heathen. It was an untried ex'periment and demanded 
singleness of purpose, firmness of faiih and heroic self-denial. * * 
He was a man singularly unselfish, never shrinking from service, 
never obtruding himself, always courteous, affable, and genial, always 
a man, a christian always." Says another, "his ministry was success- 
ful and he kept his church united." 

Preston Tavlor, a native of Ashfield, united with the church in 
Goshen in 1S21. He gave up agricultural pursuits for the ministry, 
and preached for several years in Putney and Bridgewater, Vt. He 
afterwards removed to Scho;)Icraft, Mich., where he preached for 
many years, serving also as postmaster and Justice of the Peace. He 
died some years since. 

Rev. E. Putney Salmon, bo'rn in Goshen, A[uil 5, 1S04, studied 
medicine in New York, and theology at Andover and Princeton. In 
1S33 he moved to Ohio and practiced medicine successfully for ten 
years. Having secured a competence, he gave up the practice of 
medicine and devoted all his time to the ministrv. In i860 he re- 
moved to Allen's Giove, Wisconsin, took charge of the Congregation- 
al church, and became President of the Academy, the preparatory 
school of Beloit College. He removed to Beloit in 1S65, and retired 
from active life. He tlied December 11, 18S0. He had been an in- 
valid for five vears. 



Rev. Jason Olds was long engaged in the ministry at the West. lie 
was settled in C)hio. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 57 

Ezekiel Cheever, son of Riv. Samuel Whitman, graduated at 
Williains, preached some, was the autlior of several paniphlets, died 
in 1862. 

Rev. William Williams, son of Jonah, a graduate of Amherst, and 
classmate of Henry Ward Beecher, was a professor in Lagrange Col- 
lege, Alabama, till the breaking out of the rebellion, when lie was 
obliged to flee to the north. He returned to !iis home at the close of 
the war, and died several years since. 

Benj. F. Brown, son of Thomas, graduate of Amherst, became a 
preacher, went to Virginia, where he died in 1812. 

Alvan Stone, son of Maj. Ambrose, studied at Amherst, but his de- 
voted piety demanding a more active field of labor, he took a dismis- 
sion from the college in 1831, went to Illinois, and was there zealously 
engaged in establishing Sabbath schools and in other missionary ef- 
forts, till his early death, which occurred at Alton, Illinois, in 1833, at 
the age of 25. His short life was full of good works. An interesting 
memoir of him was published by Rev. David Wright. 

Frederick W. Burgess, son of Silas, studied at Vv'illiams, but grad- 
uated at Union College. He preached for some time in Michigan 
and other places, was a very devoted and faithful christian, but was 
soon called to his reward. He died 1S38, at the age of 27. 

Rev. Joseph S. Burgess, another son of Silas, studied theology at 
Whitestown, N, Y. He is now settled at Lewi>ton, jNl.iine. 

Rev. D. Grosvenor Wright, D. D., son of Rev. Joel, the former 
pastor of the church, is pastor of a church in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 

B. Franklin Parsons, son of Willard, a gr.idu.iie of Willi.ims. won 
a good reputation as teacher. He was foi- sf)ine time prini:i|)al of 
Baron Academy, at Colchester, Conn., and afterwards at New ]\Iail- 
boro', Mass. Fie is also licensed as a preacher. 

y. Fisher Crossett, son of Rev. Robeit, entered the minisiiy and 
went to China as a missionary. 

Rev. Rufus Cushman, son of Caleb, born in Goshen, 177S, gradu- 
ated at VVilliams (Jollege, 1805 ; united with this chuich in 179S; 



68 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

married Theodocia, daughter of Dea. Artemas Stowe, June 9, 1806 ; 
became pastor of the church in Fair Haven, Vt., i8©7 ; died Febru- 
ary 3, 1829, having been pastor of the same church 22 years. The 
Cushman Genealogy says, — " He was a good, plain, Puritan man, 
distinguished for solid, rather than brilliant qualities ; sedate, firm, 
and persevering in his labors; willing to 'work on — work ever' in 
the cause of his Master, whose service he loved, and whose life he 
aimed to imitate. He did what he could to bring sinners to repen- 
tance, and to promote and diffuse love to God and love to man 
among his people." 

It is told of him that he had a rich parishioner, who was fond of 
jokes that were not always free from sharp points. He rode up to 
Mr, Cushman's door one day, and the pastor stepped out with his 
sermon in his hand to see what he wanted. "Good morning, Mr. 
Cushman," said he, '• what have you got (here ? " " My sermon for 
next Sabbath. I am sewing it together." "Ah, yes; but if it is no 
better than the rest of your sermons you had better sew it up all 
round." The pastor dropped his head and turned away, for he never 
joked his parishioners. The man's fun was spoiled. He went home 
in the deepest sorrow. Now, thought he, I have done wrong. I am 
not a gentleman, and though I am not a christian, and I am not a 
member, and have never done enough for him, I will henceforward 
be his friend. He unharnessed his horse, went in, and made out a 
deed of a farm giving the minister the products of it during his natu- 
ral life. He continued to reap its fields, and to enjoy the sweetest 
friendship of the generous parishioner through life. His son, Rev. 
Rufus S. Cushman, D.D.. thirty-four years in the ministry, died three 
and a half years ago in Mancliester, Vt. 

Rev. Ralph Cushman, born in Goshen in 1792, brother of Rerv. 
Rufus; united with this church 1808 ; graduated at Williams College ; 
married Sophia Moseley of Westfield, 1820 ; licensed to preach in the 
same year, and went to Hopkinsville, Ken., as a home missionary; 
was installed pastor of Presbyterian church in Manlius, N. Y., 1825 ; 
appointed General Secretary of American Home Missionary Society, 
1830, for the Western States, and removed to Cincinnati ; died at 
Wooster, Ohio, August 27, 1831. He is said to have been a devoted 
servant of Christ, and many friends bore testimony 10 the faithfulness 
and success of his labors in the ministry. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 59 

Calvin Cushnian, brother of the above, born June 13, 17S4; mar- 
ried Laura Bardwell of this town, November, 1S09 ; taught school 
when a young man, but had not a college education. In the early 
efforts of the American Hoard for the civilization of the Cherokees 
and Choctaws, Mr. Cushman, Mr. John Smith and Mr. Elijah Bard- 
well, all members of the church, were sent out with their families as 
assistant missionaries and teachers to the Choctaws in Mississippi. 

'J'liey left Goshen, September 13, 1S20, for their field of labor, 
going by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. The 
account of their journey shows a wide contrast between the modes of 
travel of that day and the present. They embarked in a craft in 
common use in those waters, called an ark. It was 56 feet long, 14 
wide and 6 high, bottom fiat, roof convex, the walls at the sides and 
ends straight and perpendicular. Two long oars at the side served 
for rowing and one at the stern for a rudder. It had three apart- 
ments. In one was a cow, one served for a kitchen and sitting room, 
and the other for a school room, where, during the three months of 
their passage down the river, was taught a school of ten children. 
Such arks cost about $100, and being unmanageable against the 
current were sold at New Orleans for a mere trifle. In floating 
down the river the missionary company were not idle. They sent 
copies of the "Swearer's Prayer" onboard another ark, which induced 
the crew to quit profane swearing by agreement, and procured for 
Rev. 'Mr. Byington from Stockbridge, who went as missionary with 
the others named, an opportunity to preach to the crews of seven or 
eight other arks on successive evenings. A man at a village on the 
western bank of the river, hearing of these, meetings, besought the 
missionaries, with tears, to land and have a meeting at his house, as 
some of his neighbors had never heard a sermon. They complied 
and had a very interesting meeting, and the people promised that 
they would thenceforth meet every Sabbath and read the scriptures. 

They arrived at the mouth of the Yazoo, January 27, where it be- 
came necessary to leave their ark. Mr. Cushman and family passed 
through the wilderness with a wagon, and arrived at his destination 
early in March. Mr. Bardwell also went by land and arrived in May. 
Mr. Smith and others ascended the river in a batteau. His oldest son, 
after toiling three weeks at the oar, sickened and died in a week. A 
hundred miles fiom any human habitation the remains were buried 
and the bark peeled from a tree to mark the grave. For three weeks 



60 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

longer they were obliged to toil in rowing against thti current, the 
females assisting at the helm, before reaching the end of their 
JQurne)'. 

It has-been sometimes intimated that these missionaries engaged 
in their work from motives of a mercenary character. A historical 
sketch of the mission referring to the removal of the Indians beyond 
the Mississippi in 1833, sets this matter probably in its true light. 
It savs, "As fewer laborers would be needed among the Choctaws, 
Messrs. Cushman, Smith, Bardwell ar.d others, wiih their wives, 
were, at their own request, released from the service of the Iljard. 
Most of them had expended ten or twelve of the best years of their 
lives in missionary labors and sufferings, with no compensation but 
a bare subsistence for the time ; ar,d such, of them as had property 
had given it to the board. Now, when they were about to be left 
without employment, in the decline of life, and with impaired health, 
the board was not authorized to give, nor were they willing to receive 
such compensation for past services as their labors might have com- 
manded in some worldly pursuit ; but from the household and other 
movable property least salable, which no longer could be used for 
missionary purposes, they were allowed to take such articles as would 
enable them t® commence frugal arrangements for future support." 

They were released from service January 15, 1833. Mr. Cushman 
and wife and Mr. Smith and wife spent the remainder of their days 
in Mississippi. Mr. Bardwell removed to Michigan and became a 
preacher. Mr. Cushman became a prominent citizen, was Judge of 
Probate, and an elder in the Presbyterian church. He died August 
8, 1841. 

* 

Miss Electa May, daughter of Nehemiah, born in Goshen, 1783, 

went as missionary to the Choctaws in 1823, and was married the 
next year to Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, one of the earliest missionaries 
to the Choctaws, and accompanied them to their new home beyond 
the Mississippi. Mr. Zechariah Howes of Ashfield, and Mr. Anson 
Dyer of Plainfield, also were sent out to this mission field in 1S20. 

Minerva Cushman, born August 20, 1788, married first, Amos 
Dresser, 1808, and removed to Peru. They were parents of Rev. 
Amos Dresser. The father died 1813, and the mother married, 
second, Henry Pierce, and of their children was Rev. Charles Henry 
Pierce, a successful pastor. 



lirSTOKY OF GOSHEN. 61 

It may not be out of place to say a woid respectin;; Rev. Amos 
Dresser, so nearly connected with this ciuucli and people. Born in 
1812, an orphan before he was four months old, he entered Oneida 
Institute, 1830, which, in company witii Horace Ikisiinell, he left to 
enter Lane Seminary, but they found on arrival it only existed in 
prospect, and would not be opened for some months. They hired 
and furnished a room, and commenced their studies, and so L'Die 
Scuilnanj was commmccd. Other young men came and followed 
their example, prosecuting their studies regularly, as if the institution 
had been fully equippoed with officers and teachers. 

The discussion of the slavery queslion by the students in the win- 
ter of 1S33-4, in the absence of Dr. Beecher, the president, created 
much excitement, and tlie faculty dissolved the anti-slavery society 
which the students had formed. Young Dresser and about 70 others, 
feeling aggrieved, I'ift the institution. Soon after, his health failing, 
he purposed visiting his uncle Calvin, the missionary in Mississippi. 
He purchased a horse and carriage, took a quantity of bibles and 
other books to pay his expenses, and set out on his journey. Stop- 
ping at Nashville he was seized and brought to trial. A bible had 
been found wrapped in a copy of \\\& Ematuipator, which had thrown 
the people into intense excitement. His tiunk was searched, and 
his journal examined to find some evidence against him. The 
mayor, after scanning its pages, said, 'Tt cannot be read, but it is 
evidently very fiostile to slavery." He was sentenced to receive 20 
lashes, after which he found it necessary to leave at once, and in 
disguise, in order to avoid a worse fate. He is now, and has been 
for many years, a pastor in the west. 

Vesta Cushma)!, another daughter, married ^foses Dresser. They 
had a family of eigiit children, one of whom, George Dresser, is now 
an Oiticer of the church, chosen in 1880 — its centenni..il deacon. 

Wealthy, the eUlest daugher of Caleb Cushman, born in this town 
October, 1779, married Jonathan Wright, of Northampton, Novem- 
ber 19, 1799, and subsequently removed to Jackson, Me., where she 
died in 1846. One of her sons became a minister of the gospel, 
served faithfully as a chaplain in the army of the Union, and is now 
the beloved pastor of the church of his maternal ancestors, a 
worthy son of worthy parentage — the Rev. J. E. M. Wright. 



62 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

A goodly number of the daughters of Goshen have married minis- 
ters and missionaries. Their names are entitled to remembrance, 
and as far as can be ascertained, are given. The family of Elijah 
Bard well see?iis to have borne off the palm in this respect. Rhoda, the 
oldest daugiiter, married in 1S07, Rev. Wm. Fisher; Laura, married 
181 1, Calvin Cushman, the missionary to the Choctaws; Sarah, mar- 
ried 1S13, Rev. James Richards, missionary to Ceylon. Two of the 
brothers, Rev. Horatio Bardwell and Rev. Elijah Bardwell, were the 
missionaries already referred to. Lucretia, daughter of Rev. Justin 
Parsons, joined the church in 1808, married Rev, Daniel Morton. 
They were the parents of Hon. Levi Parsons Morton, member of 
Congress from New York city, who is now prominently before the 
public as worthy of, and likely to receive, a position in President 
Garfield's cabinet. 

The family of William Hallock have also a worthy record. Of 
Revs. Jeremiah and Moses, nothing needs to be added. Abigail, 
married Rev. Joel Chapin; Esther married Rev. Josiaii flayden. 
They were the parents of Lieut. Gov. Joel Hayden. 

Hannah, daughter of Reuben Dresser, married Rev. Abel Farley; 
Electa, daughter of Col. Nehemiah May, married Rev. Mr. Kings- 
bury, missionary to the Choctaws; Hannah, daughter of Ebenezer 
Putney, (ist,) married John Smith of the Choctaw mission; Prudence 
May married Rev. Isaac Babbitt; Electa, daughter of Jared Hawks, 
niece of Electa May, married Rev. Wm. H. Eoardman; Theodocia 
Stone married Rev. Rufus Cushman; Ruby Kellogg, daughter of 
Stephen, married Rtv. Preston Taylor; Sophia B., daughter of Capt. 
Reuben Dresser, married Rev. Samuel Wiialley; Ellen E., daughter 
of J. M. Smith, married Rev. Robert C. Alison; Mary Leora, daughter 
of J. M. Smith, married Rev. J. C. Houghton; Ciarinda B., daughter 
of Hinckley Williams, married Rev. Lucius M. Boltwood; Martha 
Baker, adopted daughter of Daniel Williams, married Rev. William 
Carruthers. 

Another daughter of the church, Mrs. Deborah (Smith) Williams, 
is worthy of remembrance. In February, 1856, the Congrcgatiomdist 
published a conimunication containing the following extracts: 

Messrs. Editors: — "In your paper of Nov. 3c, is :i comn.unication from Rev. J. 
H, Rood of Goshen, Mass., \olunteeriiig from one of his lady parishioners an offer- 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 63 

ing of ;ii500, as the nucleus of a fund to be applied to the building of churches in 
Kansas, and if deemed expedient, Orthodox churches throughout the West, paya- 
ble whenever a plan should be adopted for carrying the designs of the donor into 
efTect. * * * The Congregational Union of New York, acting under a pro- 
vision of its constitution authorizing to aid in church building, have taken the mat- 
ter under consideration and have decided to carry out tlie suggestion of Rev. Mr- 
Rood's communicniion by rendering immediate and permanent aid towards building 
churches in Kansas. An agent has been sought to c.ury their measures iiUo effect, 
and we trust an appeal will soon be made to the churches for further means to sus- 
tain the work." 

The work was immediately commenced, the churjlie.s responded 
nobly to the appeal, and the result has hten nlo^t j^ralifyinj;. More 
than on(^-third of the Congregational chuicii editices in our country 
have been aided in their erection by tiiis society. 

[Note. The records of the churrh in loriner years were kept l)y the pastors; more re- 
cently bj' one of the deacons. Benjamin Wliite was flerk lSli:i to 1855; T. L. Barrus ISCl-Co 
and from 1867 to the present time.] 

TJic Coiujrfynlional SocAely. 

In iS::8, the Congregational society severed its connection with 
the town and became a separate organization. Benjamin White, Esq.> 
was its first clerk. Benjamin White, Asaliel Billings and William 
Abell were its first board of assessors; Reuben Diesser was collector 
and treasurer. Benjamin White served many years as clerk. Hiram 
Barrus was clerk from 1S50 to 1S60. Daniel Williams was collector 
and treasurer from 1850 for several years. Col. Luther Stone, Capt. 
Horace Packard, Elijah Billings, Freeman Sears, George Abell, Ezra 
Carpenter often did service as assessors. Alvan Barrus, Hiram 
Packard and T. L. Barius were assessors in the years 1874-5-6-7, 
and Maj. Josej^h Hawks, collector and tre?isurer; Charles Barrus, 
clerk, 1874-5-6. Officers for 1S7S: — T. L. Barrus, John H. Godfrey, 
E. C. Packard, <isscssors: J. Hawks, collector and treasurer; E.G. 
Packard, clerl:. 1879 — ^- L. Barrus, J. H. Godfrey, A. B. Dresser, 
assessors; T. L. Barrus, collector and treasurer; E. C. Packard, 
cleric. 1880— George Dresser, A. B. Dresser, T. L. Barrus, assessors; 
Loriu Barrus, collector and treasurer; E. C. Packard, elrrl:. 

The society has the annual income from a fmid of five thousand 
dollars, which is to be appropriated to the support of "a minister of 
the Congregational Trinitarian Order." This fund was the donation 
also of Mrs. Deborah (Smith) Williams, a native of the town. The 



64 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

fund has been for many years in the hands of a trustee, Harvey Kiik- 
hmd, Esq., of Norlhampton, who was appointed by Mrs. WilHams. 
The society in 185 i, pui chased the former homestead of Dea. Jona- 
tlian Lyirian near the cluircli and built the pitsent house for a pav- 
sonage. The income of the fund and the productions of the parson- 
age land are important aids to ihe small but earnest society in the 
suppoit of the ministry. 

"The service of song" was formerly sustained by the town, which 
often raised money to hire a singing master. In 1786, Ebenezer 
White, and in 17S9, Josiah White, were chosen to lead the choir. In 
1793, Joshua Abell, Jr., Alpheus Naramore and James Orcutt, were 
invited by the church to act as quiristcrs. Ca-lvin Cushman,of a fam- 
ily noted for musical talent, Asahel Billings, Frederick P. Stone, Maj« 
Joseph Hawks and Elijah 'Bilhngs successively served as choristers. 
Maj. Hawks is still at his post, having been connected with the choir 
for 56 years. C. C. Dresser rendered valuable aid to the choir as 
violinist and organist for nearly thirty years. J. Milton Smith was 
long an efficient member of the choir and also choiister. Among the 
teachers from abroad were, first, James Richards of Plainfield; then 
Capl. Anderson of Chesterfield, about 1800; Capt. Frary ©f Whately, 
1809-J0; Asahel Birge of Southampton, Nehemiah White — "Master 
White" — of Williamsburgh; Geo. W. Lucas, 1832, 1842, 1852; Col. 
Asa Barr, 1837-8; Jacob Jenkins, 1S55-6, 1861-2. The singing 
schools terniinated with a concert and addies'^, a gala day for the 
young i^eople for miles away. In 1842 the choirs of Chesterfield and 
Norwich united with Goshen in giving the concert, and Lowell Ma- 
son gave the address. In 1852, Wendell Phillips was present with 
the same choirs and gave an eloquent lecture on music. 

No better conclusion can be given to this chapter than is found in 
the eloquent thoughts of the Rev. Dr. Horace Bushnell. In one of 
his sermons he speaks of the church below, as Society Organizing; 
of Heaven, as the Upper World Church, or Society Organized, 
both one, as regards their final end or object, and the properties and 
principles in which they are consummated. The church below, is call- 
ed a family — ''of whom the whole family in Iieaven and earth is 
named," just as we sing in our sublimest of all hymns: 

One family, we dwell in Him; 

One church above, beneath, 
Though now divided by the stream, 

The narrow stream of death. 



HISTOMY OF GOSIIEX. 65 

One army of the living God, 

To his command we bow; 
Part of the host have crossed the flood 

And part are crossing now. 

The church below, in its best sense, is what is calU-d ''the Commu- 
nion of Saints,'" — not Calvanistic, not \VesIe\an, not Presbyterian — 
it includes ail who are liere in training for llie society "of just men 
made perfect," churcli biotherhood is a continual diill in and for so- 
ciety. In this we are schooled, in fact, into the very law of God, for 
the whole of our fraternity is tinged with badness, troubled by disor- 
der, damaged by sore faults, hurt by ofTences. Envy looks up with 
bitterness, pride looks down with contempt, jealousy looks every way, 
snuffing the scent of wrongs that are only to be. Some are covetous, 
some are mean, some are passionate, some are sensual, some are 
strong onl}^ in liate, some are weak only in principle. But we come 
back shortly to the love of God, and take a new lesson; where it is 
opened to us that ivc oursdccs are in this divine society just liecause 
it is God's hospital, where he is nursing and watching his poor, 
morally broken children, loving them, never at all for what tiiey are, 
but only for what lie can mal<e them. And so we leain to love with 
patience, and to bear even as God does, loving what we do not like, 
and cannot approve, and can only hope to benefit. 

There is no other cause, or institution, now on foot in this world, 
at all comparable for benefit and dignitv with the church of God. It 
has outlived the great empires. It has leavened all lunnan society 
with elements of progress, by which education, laws, liberties, 
sciences, inventions, constitutions, have been coming all this while 
into flower. It would take whole iiours just to give the shining roll 
of names that, in woiih, and genius, and true sainthood, have been 
marching out into their great history for these almost 1900 years. 
In some sense it has been an awful history. The woes are sharp, 
the fires are hot, the prisons burst with wail ; women martyrs, child 
martyrs, the general bleeding host of persecuted merit, move on as 
it were in procession to die. l^u' from age to age it lias been a rock, 
as the Saviour piomised, to the wrath surging heavily against it. It 
stands firm as no political state or kingdom could have stood, even 
far a generation. The church is everlasting, the only structure, 
society, or state that is. Against all else runs the statute of limita- 
tions. Getting wealth, we get no charter for breathing. Gelling 



66 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

fame, we shall not be on hand to hear the ring of it. Going into the- 
heahng of bodies, we can only patch them up for an hour. Going 
into the law, we give ourselves to that which was made last year to 
be unmade next. Public lienors vanish and states are only for a 
time. Not so tlie church of God, the great, everlasting, all world's 
society, that remains, and if we put much cost and sacrifice into it, 
all the belter. God help us all to have our future in it. 

[Note. — The churcli observed tlie ceutcnniiil anniverj^aiy of its organization, Decem- 
ber -21, 1880. Tlie pastor, Rev. J. E. M. Wright, presided during the forenoon. The church 
was well filled with citizens of the town, and several pastors and delegations were present 
from Ashtield, Plainfleld, Cummington, Chesterfield, Cbnway, Williamspurgh, Haydenvi.le 
and Easthampton. The address ou the occasion, delivered by the author, was substantially 
that which is embodied in the preceding chapter. The afternoon services, conducted by 
Rev. Dr. Marsh of Haydenvillc, were opened by reading»of the scriptures, prayer and 
singing. Addresses, niainlj' of historical Interest, were made bj' Rev. Messrs. Seymour of 
Hawley, Hopley of Worthington, Blake and Baldwin of Cummington, and others.] 

Tlte Baptist CJuircJi and Society. 

Every tax-payer was formerly obliged to contribute to the support: 
of some religious society. The oldest society in town had a legal 
right to claim this support for their own exclusive benefit, unless a. 
person could show that he was a member of some other religious 
society. People of course have a choice of objects to which they 
contribute, or if not of objects, may have a choice between paying a 
compulsory and a voluntary tax. These feelings became an ele- 
ment of weakness to the older societies and of strength to tlie newer, 
as illustrated in the early formation of the Baptist society. 'I'he 
records of the town furnish the following names of those who early 
became its supporters. 

" To tlie Tovm Clerk of Goshen. Sir : Tlie following is a list of those that liave- 
joined the Baptist Society in Goshen : 

Ebenezer White, Versal Abel), 

Josiah White, Alex'r Miller's Estate, 

Jesse Willcutt, John Williams, 

Joshua Packard, John Williams, Jr., 

Joshua Packard, Jr., Abner Damon, 

Caleb Bryant, James Orr, 

Ansel Amadon, Levi Vinton, 

■ Robert Webster, Samuel Luce, 

Gershom Bates, Samuel Snow, 

Enoch Wilcutt, Nathaniel Bates, 



HISTOllY OF GiOSlIEN. 67 

Cyrus Stearns, Gurdon Williams, 

Ezra Steams, Sanford Boies, 

Phiiielias Manning, Zebulon Willcult. 

Nathaniel Abell, 

John Williams, Clerk. 
December 24, 1814. 

The Baptist cliurcli was formed not later than 1809, but its early 
records were not preserved. Elder Winans was the pastor at that 
time, but Elder Todd of Chesterfield and Keyts of Conway often 
held meetings and preached here before 1800. Rev. William Hub- 
bard was pastor from 1S13 to 1819. Elder David Woodbury ihen 
came and remained till 1823. Rev. Orra Martin then preached half 
the lime till 1829. Elder Hubbard returned in 1831 and preached 
till 1837. Elder Isaac Child, the last regular pastor, was here for a 
few years previous to his death, December 24, 1842. Occasional 
services were subsequently held, the last being the finieral of Mrs. 
Mercy Williams, who died June 29, I855. She was the widow of 
John Williams, E^q., one of the founders and main pillars of the 
cliurch. 'I'loe house, having been lemovt'd, and used as a barn, 
was burnt July 4, 1*^74 — a singulai' coincidence, its fiame having 
been raised July 4, 1822. 

The Firs! Calriuistic Soviet ij. 

This society probably grew out of the troubles arising from the 
dismission of Rev. Mr. Wliitirian in 1S18. Certificates in tlie town 
records in 1828 show that Benjamin Tilton, Stephen W. Tilton, 
Stephen Hosford, John Fuller and Hollon Hubbard " are members 
of said First Calvinistic Society in Goshen." It had a quiet life, an 
early death, and th'; above recoid is perhaps the only |)roof of its 
existence. 

Tlie Second Advent C/ntre/i 

Was formed in 185S, its members in part belonging to Chesterfield 
and Cnmmington. Jared Damon, Joseph Crosby were chosen dea- 
cons ; Abner Damon and Andrew Baker, elders. 'J'hey built a 
chapel some years since, and have usually maintained regular ser- 
vices. The present elders are Marlon Damon and xA.lcander Hawks ; 
the deacons, S. J. Gould, Rodney Hawks and Andrew Willcutt , 
deaconess. Mrs. Alonzo Shaw. 



68 HISTORY OF GOSHEN, 



CHAPTER VI. 

The earliest sciiools in ihe "Gore" and in "Quabbin" wei^e kept in 
private houses. Capt. Thomas Weeks taught school in the house of 
John Williams, but names of other teachers at that date are unknown. 
The first school house in town was erected just west of the bridge, 
in the North West district, near the former residence of Col. L. Stone. 
The first teacher in it was James Richards of Plainfield. Another 
school house w;ts built near the meeting house, and a third near the 
house of Ebenezer Putney. 

The division of the town into four school districts, as made b}- the 
connTiittee named on page i8, is indicated below by numbering each 
person named by the committee, and printing his name in'ifalics. In 
order to identify their places of residence, the successors of each of- 
the persons, as far as known, are also given. Tlie names of the 
earlier residents are given as recollected by Maj. Ambrose Stone. 

District Xo. 1. 

1. Xatlianicl Jewell . — His house stood on the high land south of 
No. 2, near Chesterfield line. 

2. Sdmiicl Olds. — Abner Damon, Jared Damon, Marlon Damon, 
Lorenzo Wilicutt. 

3. Johi/ Hatch. — Joseph Naramore, Calvin Loomis, Almon B. 
Loomis, Alcander Hawks. 

4. DchoraJt Xarainorc. — House stood east of last, on Stone's 
"Hill lot." 

5. James Paclard. — House stood in Maj. Stone's "Old Mowing." 

6. Isaac Kingman. — House stood on the site of Stone's barn. 

7. Kfcl'icl TJiouias. — House stood east of No. 8. 

8. Wait Burl'. — Joseph Jepson, Alonzo Shaw. 

9. Samuel Snrll. — Jona. Shaw, Joseph Brown, Isaac Kingmnn, 
Reuben Kingman, J. Bush. 

10. Joshua Packard. — Joshua Packard, Jr., Levi Barrus, 1838; 
Hiram Barrus, 1845; L. Barrus estate. 

11. James Orr. — First house stood west of Mt. Rood. Eli Part- 



\ 



!:)\vn into ' 



w 

in 

I — I 

D 

o 
w 

o 

n 

r 

> 

W 

r 
< 

> 

G 
(/) 




HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 09 

ridge, Thos. W. Sieanis, Albio, Isaac Alvoid, B. liissell, Daniel 

Burt, L. Ijari'us estate. 

[Note: — Tile farm between numbers eleven and twelve was prob- 
ably first occupied ill 1784 or 5 by Elijah Weeks, who began here. 
His father, Capt. Thomas V^'eekp, probably came soon after. Elijah 
sold in 1789 to his brother-in-law, Cyrus Stearns. The large elms 
near the house weie set out about that time by Capt. Weeks and C. 
Stearns. Stearns ir. 1823, deeded the farm to Levi Karrus and 'I'hos. 
W. Stearns; Thos. W. to L. Barrus in 1N27. Cyrus and Thomas 
Stearns sold in 1832 to Cyrel Jepson; Jepson i8'33 to D. Hall; Hall 
1841 to A. & S. Kingman, who sold to Levi Ban us in 1843. It re- 
mained in his possession till his decease in 1877. It has been the 
residence of his son Alvan since his return from the army in 1864. 
U'he present house was built in 18 12.] 

12. Joloi ■fi'pson. — Cyrcl Jepson, Foirace Jepson, Dryden Dawes, 
Lorin Barrus, William Bartlett. 

13. Moses EJiVcU. — Samuel Thomas made here the tirst openin;^ 
in this neighborhood. Daniel Kellogg, Daniel Hubbaid, Leonard 
Jenkins, Levi Barrus, B. Morton, Bennett Allen, L. Barrus estate. 

14. Ambrose Stone. — Capt Bigelow began here and sold to 

Thwing, of whom Maj, Stone bought. House built 1796. Frederick 
P. Stone resided here till his decease, 1840. Ambrose ]\\ from 1844 
to 1847; Col. Luther Stone 1847 '" ^^75; "^w the residence of Amos 
H. and Edward G., son and grandson of Col. Luther, having been in 
the possession of the btone family loi years. 

[Note. Col. Stouc's Kod IIousi' was biiiK in ISIO; sold to llir.iin Barms IS.Vl; lo Clias 
Barrus ]ti(;3; sul)se<iuentl,v o\vne<l l)y Doa.T. L. Barrus; .Jus. L. JJarrus; Willio liarrus.] 

15. ■Jusliu Parsons. — Silas Parsons, Capt. Lewis Jones, Sol. Par- 
sons, Col. Stone, "Jones Place" of H. and A. Barrus. 

16. Caleb CusJiHian. — David Carpenter, David Wdliams, Dexter 
Beals, Capt. F. Rice, Wm. P.ickard, T. L. Bairus. 

17'. Barzi/lai liaiiistcr. — Joseph Maynard, W^iUard Packard, Wil- 
lard Jr., Hiram Packard, Joseph Beals. 

18. SilccHHS Lyon. — Solomon Parsons, Tiieodore and Willard 
Parsons, Levi and B. F. Parsons, T. L. Barrus. 

19. yaflain Bir/elow. — Lived with No. 18. 

20. 'I'Jios. lliunilton. Halbert, Nathan Fuller, Nathan Jr., 

John Fuller, Joshua Simmons, D. Carpenter, F. Naiamore. D. Car. 
penter built ntw house 1843, "°^^ residerce of his son-in-law, H. 
Packard. 



70 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Hiram Packard built the house next above this about ten years 
later; sold it to his brother William S.; now owned by Edward C, 
son of Hiram. 

District No. 2. 

21. John James. — Bought of BenjaminTruesdale, Malachi James, 
George Mayor. 

22. Oliver Taylor. — Joseph Putney, W. H.. Webster, Charles 
Mary, Philip Keen. 

23. Lemuel Banister. — Lived a little westerly of No. 22. 

24. Ehenezer Amadonui. — Lived a little southerly of No. 22. 

25. Joel Gnstin. — Capt. Robert Webster, Robert Jr., Hiram Bates. 

26. Barnabas Potter. — Lived westerly of Webster's. 

27. David Stearns. — John Stearns, Daniel Beals, David Beals. 

28. Cyrell^each.— Enoch Willcutt, Philip Willcutt, John K. Ful- 
ler. Gershom Bates' farm was part of No. 28. 

29. Jesse Woolcott. — House stood west of the Eleazer Hawks 
farm. 

30. William Banister.' — East of Gloyd farm. 

31. Benjamin Bourn. Gloyd, Jacob and Zenas Gloyd, Rod- 
ney Hawks. 

32. Christopher Banister. — Moses James, Eleazer Hawks, Amos 
Hawks. 

33. Samuel Grimes. — Silvenus Stone, Washburn, Jones, 

Webster, "Jim Place." 

34. Isaac Tower. — In lot near north end of "Lily Pond." 

35. Cyrus Lyon. — Ezra Carpenter, Gurdon Williams, Capt. N. 
Tower, Warren Ball. 

36. TJiomas Weels. — House east of Lyon, on the hill. Thaddeus 
Naramore. Weeks began there. 

School District No. 3. 

37. JoJtn Smith. — John Smith, ]v., Am. Board Com. For. Miss., 
John Williams, 2d, Willard Packard, Maj. Joseph Hawks, Hfram 
Packard, William S. Packard, Edward C Packard. 

38. Ehenezcr Parsons. — Jared Hawks, Joseph Hawks, T. W. 
Pomeroy, J. M. Mollison. 

39. John Williams. — Hinckley Williams. Has been in posses- 
sion of father and son since 1778. 



HISTORY or GOSHEX. 71 

40. Lemuel Lyon. — Silvenus Stone, Geo. Salmon, Elias White, 
Joseph Hawks. (House removed). 

41. NeliemiaJl May. — Ezra May began there. Jared Hawks, 
Marcus Lindsley, Forrace Jepson, Josiah Miller, S. J. Gould, Marlon 
iDamon. 

42. Benjamin Burgess. — John C. Lyman, Z. Richmond, Ezra 
Erackett, H. T. Godfrey, George Kellogg. 

43. TtmotJiy Lyman. — Francis Lyman, Lieut. Timothy P. Lyman, 
iarm divided; new house built by Thomas Lyman; F. W. Lyman, N. 
Hayden, Hiram Barrus, Ralph E. Smith. 

44. I)ea. Artemas Stone. — Elisha Putney began here. House 
stood west of present one. Justin Parsons, Reuben Smith, A. G. Si- 
dell, F. Willis Sears. 

45. Wido^v llalhert. — Capt. Wm. Lyon began here. Enoch Beals, 
Col. Timothy Lyman, V. Pierce. Various residents — new house built 

'by N. Russ — Oreii Russ. 

46. Reuhen lAimmis. — East of No. 45, toward More's Hill. House 
gone — street Closed. 

47. Jedediah Buckingham. — Same as last. 

48. Stephen Grover. — Same as last. 

49. Thomas Brown. — Thomas Brown, 2d, Leonard Smith, West 
Tillton, Henry H. Tillton, Henry T. Godfrey. 

50. Daniel Broivn. — Gershom Cathcart, Zimri Newell, E. A. Car- 
penter, Champion Brown. House gone. 

51. Dexter May. — House stood south of No. 50. 

52. Edward Orcutt. — House stood east of Reservoir. Dr. Isaac 
Robinson preceded Orcutt, and perhaps began there. 

53. Farnum WIdte. — William Tillton, Spencer Tillton. 

54. Christopher Grant. — Easterly about 100 rods, (off the road.) 

55. Asa Grant. — Capt. John Grant, Elijah Bard well, S. Porter. 

56. Adam Beat, Jr. — Freeman May hew, Asa Partridge, Rolen 
'Rogers, .Robert Rogers, Joseph Rogers. 

57. William llalloek. — Stephen Hosford, Wilds. House 

long since gone. 

58. Adam Beal. — Sol. Butler, Capt. Elijah Bardwell, Selah Bard- 
well, Frcbun W. Packard. 

59. Wm. Meader. — Samuel Luce, Sears Luce. House gone. 

60. Benjamin Ahell. — Silas Burgess. House buint about 40 
vyears ago. 



72 HISTORY OF GOSHEN 

School District, Xo. 4. 

6i. Joshua AbeU. Pool, Capt. Wm. Abel], S. Brayinan, 

Elijali Billin<T;s, Chauncy Guilford. 

62. WiUiain Wliitc. — Joseph and Benjaniin White, Henry Wiiite, 

Green, Marshall Dadmun. This was the home of tlie White 

family for about 115 years. 

63. Ehciiczcr Pntncij. — Joseph Putney, C. C. Dresser, who built 
present house in 1842, J. C. Richardson, C. D imon. 

64. Ui'uhoi Dresser. — Moses Dresser, Levi Dresser, George 
Dresser, wlio built present house, 1846. 

65. Uichard Tower. — Below the Dr. Pierce farm near the brook. 

66. T/ionias Toivcr. — Owned no real estate here. 

67. 2I0SCS Dresser. Ely, Owen, Simeon Cowls, Amasa 

Cowles, Henry Hayden, Williaui and Ralph Packard. 

68 John King. — Nathaniel Phelps, Abner Phelps. House gone. 

69. Dnnicl Wyumn. — Lived on road from 63 towards Williams- 
burgh. House gone. 

70. Nathaniel Vinton. — House gone. 

71. James Lull. — House gone. 

72. Josepli Blake. — House gone — stood near Williamsburgh. 

73. Ehen'r Fain. — Same vicinity. 

74. Ezehiel White. — Josiah White, Asa White. 

75. Widoiv White. — About 70 rods south of last. 

76. Xoah White. — Owned no real estate here. 

The schoolroom of former years but very faintly foreshadowed that 
of the present. In dimensions seldom exceeding si.\teen or eighteen 
feet square, it was often packed with children of all ages from four 
to twenty-one years, to its utmost capacity. Eighty or a hundred 
scholars were not an unusual number in some districts. When the 
seats were insufficient to accommodate all, other seats were extem- 
porized of logs of wood or whatever else was most convenient, till 
the fioor and every avadable spot in the room was occupied. In the 
cold season a roaring wood iire in one corner of the room sweltered 
the pupils located near, with more than tropical heat, while those 
remote suffered with cold. The teacher, unable to pass around the 
school room among (he dense mass of pupils, says one who knew, 
"used to keep a birch switch, ten or twelve feet long, standing within 



IirSTOllY OF GOSIIEX. 73 

reaci), whicli often came down upon the heads of distant transgres- 
sors in a sty'e more effective than merciful." The ferule, a piece of 
heavy wood about the size and shajje of the hand, was the chief in- 
strument of punishment. Some teachers, with an eye to convenience 
kept a pointed ih.umb nail always sharp and in good order, for pinch- 
ing the ears of the smaller offenders, who soon came to regard the 
instiument of lorture as the martyrs did the rack. 

Arithmetic, reading and writing were taught to the exclusion of 
almost everything else. A few of the more advanced young men 
studied surveying. Grammar was so rare a study that some of 
the best teachers, not considering it of sufficient consequence, never 
learned it themselves. So recent as 1815, a young man qualifying 
himself for leaching, in order to be a little in advance of the usual 
standard for the profession, studied grammar with Rev. Mr. Whit- 
man for two weeks, which was considered quite sufficient for his pur- 
pose. Female education was still more limiled. Reading was the 
highest accomplishment bestowed upon the girls. Some of the more 
gifted were allowed to look into the mysteries of arithmetic. When 
they had passed over the fundamental rules— =-addition to division — 
they had reached the limit of their literary ambition. Sewing was 
for many years taught in the schools, both as an art and as an accom- 
plishment. Many a inother and grandmother keeps to this day, and 
shows with pride to their little namesakes, the neat " sampler '" of 
canvas diversified with alphabets of red green and blue silk, a few 
mottoes, a text of scripture, a few lines of poetry, the date, and their 
own name, wrought out wit!) a needle, undei' tlie instruction of a long 
time ago teacher of the district school. 

The school books of the old time fell far short of the present, in 
number, and possibly in merit. We Are lold uf the "Psalter"' and a 
Dillingworth's spelling-book, that served sev^iial genrrations of our 
ancestors and came down to the memory of our grandf.iiher-. i'"ol- 
lowing at a long distance after came '"Scoil's Lessons,"" and *'\\"eb- 
ster's Third Part." These were followed in turn by the "Cohnnbian 
Orator," "The Common Reader," and "Knglish Reader." "Pier- 
pont's Reader" and the "Rhetorical Reader" begin the new era, 
when of the making of school books there is no end. W^ebster's . 
spelling books were of ancient date, as well as modern. 

Arithmetics by various authors were used. There were Hill's, 
Root's, Pike's, Daboll's and Adams, the latter having run parallel 



74 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

with Webster's spelling book, for nearly sixty years. Hill's arithme- 
tic contained some rare things. It defined ariihmetic "as an art or 
science that teaclieth us the dextrous handling of numbers." Among 
its questions for solution was this, "How many feet and tails have 30 
thrave of dogs, when 24 dogs make one thrave .'' " It also gave a 
table of Latin words, "showing any person, though he knows not a 
word of Latin, how to make thousands of Hexameter and Pentame- 
ter verses in good latin and in two hours' time; all in perfect sense." 
Had the author done as much for English poetry, ensuring "perfect 
sense,'' he would have won lasting gratitude, if not fame. 

Slates were unknown in the schoolroom of former days. Paper 
was used instead, and was frequently preserved in book form, the 
arithmetical examples being written out in the full, round style of the 
times, which is not often equalled in the present. "Maynard and 
Noyes" had not then begun to send out their ink-bottles to the ends 
of the earth, and the school-boy made his own ink by extracting the 
color from the bark of the maple and "setting" it with copperas. 
His pens, till the advent of steel pens, about 1840, were plucked 
from the geese'that in former days pertained to every farm-yard. His 
inkstand was generally of "pewter" cast in the proper form by him- 
self or older brother, or sometimes wrought by patient labor out of 
soapstone. 

Private schools, generally termed "Select Schools," have been 
occasionally taught by college students or graduates from abroad, 
and by others. One was taught by a Mr. Bradford in 1824] E. W. 
B. Canning, the poet, and for se\'eral years Deputy-Collector of Bos- 
ton Custom House, in 1830; Alfred Louglt-y (since Rev.), 1832; 
Frederick Vinton, 1836 ; J. H. Partridge, 1837 ; L. F. Clark (since 
Rev. of Whitinsville) 1 839-41 -; W. H. Sheldon, 1840 ; R. C, Alison, 
(now Rev.), 184S ; Hiram Barrus, 1852 and 1S58 ; Miss Myra Hol- 
man, 1862. 

Among the more noted teachers of the district schools in the olden 
time were John Grant, Thankful Orcult, Mercy Burgess, Hannah 
Williams, Rufus and Calvin Cushman, Ambrose Stone, Jr., Lucinda 
Parsons; and later, F. W. Lyman, L. L. Pierce, Geo. M. Burgess, 
Joseph S. Burgess, Geo. Dresser, Hiram Barrus, Theron L. Barrus, 
Misses Eliza Webster, Augusta Stone, Hannah and Lucy Smith, 
Julia M. White, Naomi and Maria Putney, Mary Parsons, Martha 
Pierce, Sarah W, Naramore, Rhoda Parsons, Ellen E. and Mary L. 




'■/ /..VR^^ 



^nKGV>^- 



HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. iD 

Smith, Clarinda B. Williams, Emma and Vashti Tilton, Carrie Abell, 
Helen Parsons, Helen Lyman, Fannie E. Hawks, Susie P. Hunt. 

The law requiring the election of school committees for examining 
teachers was passed in 1S26, but the town had previously chosen 
csmmittees for this purpose, lu 1823, Rev. Joel VVrii^ht, Joseph 
White, and Capt. John Grant were chosen, and in 1825 Joseph White, 
Emmons Pulney and Enoch Jomes. Under the new law committees 
were chosen, as follows : 

1826. Rev. Joel Wright, Joseph White, Capt. John Grant, Doct, 
Geo. Wright, David Carpenter, Jared Hawks, Jr., Emmons Putney. 
1S27. Rev. J. Wright, Benj. White, Doct. G. Wright, E. Putney, 

D. Carpenter. 

1828. Rev. J. Wright, Doct. G. Wright, Capt. Grant, B. White, 

E. Putney. 

1S29. Doct. Geo. Wright, Capt. John Grant, Rev. Wm. J. Board- 
man. 

1830. Doct. Geo. Wright, Capt. John Grant, E. Putney. 

1831. Rev. H. B. Holmes, Doct. Geo. Wright, lienj. White. 

1832. Rev. H. B. Holmes, Benj. White, John Grant. 
J 833. Rev. Wm. Hubbard, Benj. White, E. Putney. 

183.1. Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, Doct. J. W. Rockwell, E. Putney. 

1835. Doct. Rockwell, E. Putney, Barney Prentice. 

1836. Eben'r W. Town, E. Putney, B. Prentice. 

1837. R^^'- Stephen Mason, B. While, E. Putney. 

1838. Rev. J. C. Thompson, B. White, L. L. Pierce. 

1839. Rev. J. C. 'I'hompson, F. W. Lyman, L. L. Pierce. 

1840. Rev. J. C. Thompson, Doct. Dan'l Pierce, E. W. Lyman. 

1841. Rev. J. C. Thompson, B. White, Alfred Jones. 

1842. F. W. Lyman, Geo. Dresser, Rev. J. C. Thompson. 

1843. Rev. Royal Reed, Geo. Dresser, E. W. Lyman. 

1844. Rev. Royal Reed, Geo. Dresser, Hiram Barrus. 

1845. Rev. Royal Reed, F. W. Lyman, Geo. Dresser. 

1846. Doct. D. Pierce, Hiram Barrus. Geo. Dresser. 

1847. K^^'- R- I^eed, E. Putney, Doct. Pierce, 

1848. Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, H. Barrus, Geo. Dresser. 

1849. Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, Amasa Putney, B. While. 

1850. Rev. R. Crossett, Sanford Gage, Gt;o. Dresser. 

1851. Rev. R, Crossett, Hiram Barrus, Geo. Dresser. 



76 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

1852. Rev. R. Crossett,' Hiram Barrus, George Dresser, 

1853. Rev. R. Crossett, HiraiH Barrus, E. Putney. 

1854. Rev. T. H. Rood, Hiram Barrus, -E, Putney. 

1855. Rev. T. H. Rood, Hiram Barrus, E. Putney. 

1856. Rev. T. H. Rood, Hiram Barrus, E. Putney. 
1S57. Rev. T. H. Roodj Tiieron L. Barrus, E. Putney. 

1858. Bennett Allen for i year, Tiieron L. Barrus for 2 years, H. 
Barrus for 3 years. 

1559. Rev. T. H. Rood for 3 years. 

1560. Miss Pannie Hawks for three years. 

1 86 1. George Dresser for 3 years, Rev. J. C. Thompson, vice H. 
Barrus resigned. 

1862. Rev. J. C. Thompson for 3 yrs. 

1863. T. L. Barrus for 3 years. Rev. Sidney Hoi man for 2 years. 

1864. E. Putney, George Dresser for 2 years. 

1865. Rev. S. Hohiian for 3 years. 

1866. George Dresser for 3 yeais. 

1867. Rev. H. M. Rogers for 3 years, T. L. Barrus i year. 
18GS. T. L. Barrus for 3 years, Alvan Barrus for 2 years. 

1869. George Dresser for 3 yeais. 

1870. Alvan Barrus for 3 years. 
187 I. T. L. Barrus for 3 years. 

1872. Fannie E. Hawks for 3 years. 

1873. George C. Dresser for 3 years. 

1874. T. L. Barrus for 3 years. 
1S75. Fannie E. Hawks for 3 years. 
1876. Edward C. Packard for 3 years. 
I.S77. George H. Sears for 3 years. 

1875. T. L. Barrus for 3 years. 
1879. Edw. C. Packard for 3 years. 
1S80. George C. Dresser for 3 years. 

School Stalislics. 

1845-6. 4 schools ; number of children, 134; length of schools, 
2^2, nionfhs ; amount laised for schools, $300 ; value of contributions, 
^73 ; wages of male teachers, $16.67 j female teachers, $10.24 ; pop- 
ulation, 556 ; valuation of the town, $131,867. 



HISTORY OI:^ GOSHEN. 77 

i860. 5 schools ; number of children, 101 ; length of schools, 32 
mon hs ; amount raised for schools, i?'35o , contributions, $200: 
wages of teachers, males, $23 ; females, $16 ; population, 439 ; val- 
uation, $157,942. 

1S70. 4 schools ; number of children S4 ; length of school, 27 
months; amount raised for schools, $500; contributions, $188; 
\vai;es of teachers, males, $28; females, $22.50; population, 368 ; 
valuation, $152,796. 

1878 4 schools; number of children, 92; length of schc)o!, 26; 
months; raised for schools, $350; contributions, $211; wages of 
teachers, males, $24; females, $22; share of school fund, $210.14. 



78 HISTORY OF GOSHEN, 



CHAPTER VII. 

H if/ 1/ leaps. 

In 1755, the soldiers serving in the. French and Indian war, when 
sent from Boston to Alb.^ny, were transported around via Long Is- 
land Sound, New York and Hudson River. In 1758, a more direct 
route by land was followed. This route led westward from North- 
ampton through VVilliamsburgh, Goslien, Cummington, etc., and over 
it passed successive companies of troops, so that it may properly be 
considered as the first great highway across this portion of the coun- 
try from Boston to Albany. The .soldiers had frequent campgrounds, 
where, in providing themselves with fuel, tiiey made considerable 
openings in the forest. In Willinmsburgh one of their camps was on 
land afterwards occupied I)y Ludo Tha3er. A little eminence of land 
near by was long known as tlie "Coffee Lot," where the soldiers 
made and drank their coffee. In Goshen, they passed ©ver the south 
part of the farm of the late Capt. Grant, and If;ft a log biidge, which 
remained to his day. Tlieir next camping ground was on the spot 
where Col. L. Stone's "Red House" was built. The remains of their 
bark huts were found here by Maj. Stone, later than 1780. Joshua 
Packard once passed over the route with the tioops, and on this camp- 
ground he lost his pocket knife. After he became a resident of the 
place, he searched for the knife, and happily found it. 

Tills "trail" seems to have been followed and preserved by the set- 
tlers in after years, till it finally became, and was perhaps dedicated 
as one of the public highways of the town. It had one element that 
recommended it to public favor in those days — it passed over the 
highest hills that could be found on the route. Tlie liighest available 
lands were then preferred for farms and dwellings, but were deemed 
especially important for the location of the principal meeting-house 
of the town. 

Marked trees indicated the most approved course from one point 



I1I8TOKY OF GOSIIEX. 79 

to iinothei" through the wilderness, till a paih was worn into distinct- 
ness by repealed travel. Walking- and h:)rs-l)ack were the chief 
means of locomotion for many \eais, — and even alter the year i Moo. 
saddle-bags for small, and panniers for larger packages, laid across 
the horse's back, served for the common "express" pii'poses of fam- 
ilies and communities. The boy on horse-back canit-d tlie grist !o 
mill; tl'ie man on horse-b^ck carried upon ihe piHion behind him his 
wife and daughter to church; the females unon h>)rse-back pei formed 
long equestrian journeys, that would surprise (heir posterity. So- 
phia Banister, who mairied a Foster, and lemoved to Oliio, peiform- 
ed the journey of 600 iviiles on horse back. Joim Williams had a 
wagon in 17N6, — probably the tirst in town. 

Soon after 1800, the old style chaise, with its ample wheels, was 
introduced by some of the more enterprising citizens. In 1807, Oli- 
ver Taylor, Nehemiah May, Ebenezer and Solomon Parsons, were 
severally ta.xed on pleasure carriages, the only vehicles of the kind 
then in lo'.vn. Wagons were not much used till after iSio. Thty 
were made without springs, or with rude springs of wood. The firtt 
great improvement in these was about 1830, when the "thorough- 
brace" was introduced, by wliich tiie body;)f the carriage was attach- 
ed by strong pieces of leather to the "running gear." Wagons with 
elliptic springs, introduced a new word, oi' a new application of an old 
word, into our vocabulary,- — ^>>'[Jf/!/, — followed in five or six years 
after. 

The people themselves were the first niail carriers here. A few of 
the ujore interested arranged between them for one of their number 
and then another, in succession, to go to Northampton eveiy week, 
to bring the mail and the H.ampsmire Gazette. When or.e h;id ful- 
filled his ta-^k, he wrote upon the Gazette belonging to the coming 
man, "your turn next," and so each succeeding week was provided 
for. At length a j)ost-rider, (said to be a Mr. Riciiardson,) com- 
menced doing this business. In a short time he was succeeded by 
that veteran of post-riders, Ebenezer Hunt, late of Cummington. He 
was succeeded by an elderly man named Kingnnin, of \A'oi thington, 
who carried the papers about one year. The next was Josiah Shaw, 
lateof Haydenville, who was succeeded by Theron A. Hamlin, I. A. 

H.imlin. Jacob Lovell, Frederick W. Belden, Jason C. Thayer, 

Loud, and O. P. Clark. 



80 HISTOEY OF GOSHEN. 

John Williams, Esq., was first postmaster. He was appointed 
probably in 1817, and retained the office about 23 years. His son 
Hinckley Williams, succeeded him, and was postmaster till iS53,when 
the office was removed. John L. Godfrey held the office for about 
two years, wiien Maj. Joseph Hawks received the appointment, and 
still retains it. 

Between the years iSio-35, <!"''£ -^'t extensive business was done 
in carrying farmers' produce, pork, butter, cheese, etc., and other 
goods, leather being quite an itein, from the hill towns to Boston, and 
bringing in return goods for the merciiants and others. The teams 
usually stopped the first night at Gilbert's, in Belchertown, and 
reached Boston early on the fifth day, in season to exchange loads 
aiid get out of the city on their way back to spend their first night. 
An old teamster, many years on the route, relates that the tedious- 
ness of the journey was quite often forgotten by reason of the number 
that were able to join company. At one time he counted tiiiriy-four 
teams moving on together, each having from two to six horses. 

In 1813, the town had a pauper who left his keepers and went to 
Boston. A man was sent to bring him back, who charged the follow- 
ing, as his expenses on the way. It is interesting as showing the rate 
of travel, and the cost and kind of items deemed a reasonable charge 
for such a journey. The bill of particulars reads: "Spencer, March 
17, 1S13, Haifa mug sling, 10 cents; 1-2 peck of oats, 13 cents. 
\^'orcesler. hay two baiting, 12 cents, sling 10 cents, dinner 30 cents, 
supper 25 cents, lodging 8 cents, gate 6 1-4 cents, hay 8 cents, gate 6 
1-4 cents. Framingham — sling 12 1-2 cents, gate 6 1-4 cents. New- 
ton — sling 12 1-2 cents, oats 13, gate 6 1-4. Boston — supp'ir3o cents. 
Boston, March ig — Oats 1-2 peck, 20 cents, hor.sekeeping 56 cents, 
lodging 13 cents, sling 12 1-2 cents, hay 8 cents. (He secured his 
fugitive, and set out on his return the same day.) Dinner for Sam 
and I, 62 cents, gate 61-4 cents. Needham — sling 12 1-2' cents, 
("Sam," the pauper, probably didn't have sling,) gate 6 14 cents. 
Supper for two at Framingham, 62 cents, gate and oats. Westboro, 
March 20, horsekeeping 30 cents, lodging for two 16 cents, cider 8 
cents, (probably for Sam), Worcester — sling 12 1-2 cents, hay 8 
cents, breakfast for two 50 cents. Leicester — sling 12 1-2 cents, (no 
oats). Spencer — Oats 12 1-2 cents, sling 10 cents, supper for two. 
Sam staid over Sunday, 21st, at Brookfield, lodging 8 cents, cider 6, 
vitualling34. Next day at Ware — one glass of sling 6 cents. (Prices 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 81 

are tending downward.) Belchertown — lodf^injj S; sling 6, breakfast. 
25, lunch 12. (Probably took supper in Goshen thai night.) 

Tlie late Hattil Washburn, Sen., a native of New Bedford, came 
liere in 1790, at tlie age of nine years, and lived with Dr. I'.urgess till 
he was of age. When he first became acquainted with the road to 
Northampton, there were quite a number of houses between that town 

and this. The first house this side of Northampton was the okl 

Warner house, aud the next, the Clark tavern, standing near Wil- 
liamsburgh line. The old Fairfield tavern, wheie Haydenville now 
js^was ne.xt, then 'I'hayer's hou^e, in Skinnerville, then a house stand- 
ing'Under t'lie great elm. wheie W. S. Pierce lived, next was Samuel 
Bodman's, near where the town house in Wilbamsburgh now stands. 
The Dr. Gary house, Hubbaid's tavern, was then standing, and op- 
posite was Abner Williams'. At Thayer's factory, 'J'aylor h^d a 

mill. On the hill, at the btick house, where Squire Glapp formerly 
resided, lived a man named Wilds. Next was Rev. Mr. Strong's, 
and opposite, Joshua Thayer's tavern; at the tojj of the hill beyond, 
was Bartlett's tavern; and at the Dea. Rogeis' place was Dwighi's 
store, and then a little off the road was Dr. Paine's — recently Spen- 
cer Bartlett's. .Next was a house owned by Lull, then Ludo 

Thayer's, then James Hunt's — Theron Warner's; then followed the 
houses of Joshua Abell, Richard Tower,(Dr.Daniel Pierce's,)Rev. I\Ir. 
Whitman, Col. May, Lieut. Lyon, John Williams, Eben Parsons. 'J'he 
last named lived on the Jared Hawks farm, northwest of the center 
of Goshen. 

S/0)rs. 

The iirst trader in town was John James. He had a store in 17S2, 
and did a successful business. Nehemiah ALiy and Ebenezer Parsons 

were also in trade for some time. May died in 1813, and 

Adams, of Conway, took the business. Dr. Hutchins bought him out 
and finally closed the store. 

John Williams was connected in trade for a short time probably 
with Mr. James, but about 17S6, he commenced the sale of dry goods 
and groceries on his own ^-iccount, and eventually secured an exten- 
sive trade. His son Hinckley continued the business for many years, 
completing more than half a century in which a store was kept at this 
place. A store was kept by George Salmon, 1810-15, in the Lemuel 
Lyon house. E. W. Town, in J 832-8, occupied the store which 



82 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

D.W. Graves previously kept, foi- some yeais. W. A. Godfrey coininenc- 
itig again in 1853, sold to Joseph Hawks, and in 1858 the building 
was removed and attached to the hotel. A. W. Crafis and Alvan 
Karrus opened a store in iS6o; Joshua Knowlton bought the house 
of Alvan Barrus in 1863, and after about three years sold to J. H. 
Godfrey, who still continues the business in the same place. The 
store is in the house built for Rev. Joel Wright as a parsonage in 1S21, 
and subsequently became the residence of Widow Timolliy Lyman. 

2 'a ccnis — Hotels. 
Public houses for the "entertainment of man and beast," — particu- 
larly the man, — formerlv abounded. Col. Nehemiah May was one of 

the earliest engaging in the luisiness, which he carried on while he 
lived. Jared Hawks, his sonin-law, continued it for several years 
after May's decease, and the house was closed about iSiq. 

1,'jmuel Lyon was among the first to open his house as a tavern, 
but he did not long continue the business. An incident is related 
that cuised consideiable meirinieut at his expense. He had a hogs- 
head of licjuor so large that it could not be rolled into his cellar, and 
he was .obliged to draw it off and carry it in, a pail full at a lime. 
W'hik; waiting for his pail to fill, he unwittingly fell asleep. The 
liquor ran till the pail was full and then lan away till the cask was 
empt\-. \{ was probably quite as well for the pul;lic, but lather de- 
pletiii'4 to his pocket. Lyon afterward lived where Lowell Hunt now 
lives, and kept tavern there. A tavern was again kept from 1S21 to 
1824, at Lyon's former residence. Ebenez^^r Parsons, in 1785; Solo- 
mon Parsons, in 1791; Jonah Wdliams,* in 1S16, severally opened 
their houses as public inns for bri(;f periods. 

John Wdliams kept liquors in connection with his store, as early as 
17S6. Tlie amount of his sales in '87 and '88 appear to have been 
more than a thousand dollars per year. He soon after opened a 

* XoTE. It is told that Mr. Williams in reply to the qiie.stiou why he oijened a tavern, 
saiil : ••liecau.se 1 have a neia;hl)or who goes every day to get lii.s dram of brotlier .John, 
and will eventually drink up all his property. I may as well save him the travel and get the 
property myself, as to let another have it." The neighbor heard of it, and taking the hint. 
wis(!]y concluded to keep his property in his own hands. He immediately reformed and 
lived to a good old age, a temperate man, with a comfortable estate. There may be room 
for criticism in rjlatijn to m:iny things dane in former times, but we need to remember 
what the dear old friend of somebody used to say with the truest Christian charity, when 
he heard anyone iK'ing loudly condemned for some fault: "Ah I well, ye^, it seems very 
bad to me, Ijecausc that's not niv wav of sinning." 













k^^ 



^PWr^ 



IllSTOllY OF GOSHEN. 83 

tavern, which he ullimately relinquished to his son, H. VVillianis, who 
leased it in 1837-8, to Edwin A. C'arpenter. It was closed as a hotel 
in i84r. 

A hotel was built by Capt. Reuben Dresser, in 1818. He sold to 
Downing W. Graves about 1S24, who kept it about eight years, and 
was succeeded by Israel B. Thomiison. Alfred Jones was his suc- 
cessor in 183S, and remained till 1841. Then followed W. H. Guil- 
ford, L. Gurne3% and Edward I^ridgnian, llie last wanied lemaining 
from 1842 to 1851. L. Gurney tlien returned and and staid till 1855, 
when Maj. Hawks became proprietor. 

It was burnt October 31, 1867, and was succeeded by the pres- 
ent large and well arranged house, which, under the nianageraent of 
the Major and iiis efficient daughter. Miss Fannie E. Hawks, has 
become a \ei\- pojjiiiai' lesort for persons seeking for l;e;-ii('i or pleas- 
ure. J'he location is flL\ai(: (1, i!ie \ itw ©ne of the iinest intlie state, 
the ail' i)uie. the sccnt-rv diversilicd and chainiin<^, the village quiet ; 
and all conibinc- lo make ;he place attrac'.ivc. The "History of the 
Conneciicnt A'allev," says, 

"Once located here iinrler the care of the Mnjur, upon the highest land in 
Hampshire County, enjoying the purest air of the Green Mountain chain, it is no 
wonder that guests nie loath to leave and quick to come again. No where does 
day dawn over the eastern liills with l-ivelier tints, nor paint the western sky with 
more resplendent colors. From the wide and [sleasant piazzas of the Highland 
House charming views greet the eye in every direction — l.mdscipes of unequalled 
beauty, comprising mountains and valleys, forests aid fields, rural homes and village 
mansions. Beautiful drives are everywhere open to the tourist. .Moore's Hill is 
but a short distance awav — a true rounded elevation of open fields and unobstructed 
views, — rising si.x hundred feet above Mount Holyoke, with a far wider range of 
vision. The whole town is so elevated that to climb the highest summit is an easy 
affair, neither f;itiguing the traveler, nor requiring a perpend cular railway. The 
Cascade, the Devil's Den, the Lily Pond, are worth many a visit, while numerous 
unnamed localities offer abundant attractions. The geologist may gather the choic- 
est specimens known to science and the botanist cull flowers of rich and rare 
beauty." 

I'h//s/ri(nis. 

Dr. Isaac Robinson has been referred to as the fust piiysician 
here. His son, Dr. Joseph Roijinson, was liere in 1794-5. Dr. Job 
Ranger from Brookfield lived here in 1789-90; he boarded witii 
John Williams, whose wife was his cousin ; his mother and tiie wife 



84 HISTORY or GOSHEX. 

of (Japt. Thomas Weeks were sisters. William White, Jr.. studied 
medicine with him. Dr. Ranger's health failing he returned to his 
native town, and soon after died. In answer to the inquiry where he 
went when he left Goshen, of one who knew him well, the reply was, 
■^'To heaven," — referring to his devoted piety and early death. 

Dr. Benjamin Burgess studied medicine with Dr. Perry of New 
Jiedford. He went into practice on Marlha's Vineyard, first, it is 
said, in Chilmark and then in Tisbury. He came to Goslien about 
the time of its incorporation, and had an extensive and lucrative 
practice. Further notice of him and his family will be found in a 
subsequent chaptei'. . 

Dr. Ellis Conev, a physician of good abilities, came from Worces- 
ter county, served as Selectman and Treasurer, died in 1807, after a 
residence of only a few years. 

Dr. George Rogers was in practice here about 1S10-12. He 
removed to Convva\-. 

Drs. Childs and R. C. Robinson were here about 1812-13. Dr. 
Robinson removed to North Adams. Dr. Erastus Hawks practiced 
here 1817 to 24. At the latter date Dr. Wm. C. Dwight of North- 
ampton came and spent a year or two. A Dr. Fuller was here in 
1820, and A. W. Rockwell in 1822. Dr. Geo. Wright fiom North- 
ampton, 1826 to 1831, was much esteemed as a physician and as a 
man. He removed to Montague. J. W. Rockwell, his successor, 
1S33-4, staid only two years. Dr. Daniel Pierce from Worthington, 
came in 1836 and remained till his death in 1857. During the later 
years of his life he relinquished the active duties of his profession for 
other pursuits. He was a native of Peru. Of a vigorous mind iie 
distinguished himself as a medical student under the care of Dr. 
Peter Bryant of Cummington, father of the poet, became a practi- 
tioner of geod ability, residing in the towns of Brookfield, Peru and 
at Worthington, and, at the latter place was for some time a deacon 
of the Congregational church. Since his death, the town has not 
had a resident physician. Its proverbial healthfulness does not 
offer to the profession an inviting field. 

In former times, physicians were "called," by act of the people to 



HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. 85 

settle with them, though in a less formal manner than the calling of 
the minister. 

Dr. Charles Knowllon, of Ashiield, who died in February, 1850, 
was the leading physician in this vicinity for nearly twenty years, 
and was often employed in this town. His son, Dr. C. L. Knowl- 
ton, suceeeded his father and had an extensive field of service for 
many vears. He removed to Northampton lisSy or '68. 

The following too truthful lines are borrowed of him : 

God and the Doctor v\c alike adore, 
Just on the brink of danger, not before; 
The danger passed, both are alike requited, 
God is forgotten and the Doctor slighted. 

IiKluslridl I'll rsH its. 

Agriculture has ahvavs been the chief employment of the citizens 
of Goshen. Hay, lumber and firewood have always been sold out of 
towH to some e.xtent. 

The State Census for 1S75, gives a list of agricultural products for 
the year from all the towns in the state. 

The following table gives a list of each product whose value 
exceeds fifty dollars: 

Apples, 1,604 bushels, $695 

Beef, 29,275 lbs 2,475 

Beets, 84 bushels 67 

Blueberries, 1,304 quarts 1-I5 

Buckwheat, 85 bushels 85 

Chiikens, 1,285 Iks - ~^~ 

Corn, 578 bushels 57^ 

Eggs, 3,885 doz G083 

Hay, Eiiglish, 1,227 tons 17,818 

Hay, meadow, 105 tons 1,240 

Manure, 990 cords 5)7 7^ 

MilU, 8,175 gallons i,550 

Oats, 260 bushels 19^ 

Pork, 15,876 lbs 1,572 

Potatoes, ?,37 7 bushels 3-^89 



S6 HTSTOKY OK (^iOSHEN. 

Straw, 9 tons $107 

Turkey, 949 lbs 201 

'I'urnips, 1,061 bush 431 

Veal, 3,215 lbs 306 

Wool, 264 lbs - 116 

DOIVIESTIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE. 

Butter, 14,578 lbs 4,724 

Cider. 2,197 gallons 259 

Firewood, 473 cords 2,243 

Maple Sugar, 6,400 lbs 911 

DOMESTIC PRODUCTS FOR USE. 

Butter, 8,667 "^s 2,805 

Cider, 1,793 gallons 224 

Dried fruit 59 

Maple Sugar, 13,600 lbs 1,629 

Maple Molasses, 140 gallons 147 

AGGREG.\TES. 

Domestic products for sale 8,185 

" " " use 4,947 

Hay crop 19,088 

Other agricultural products 19,664 

$51,884 

PROPERTY IN THE TOWN CENSUS OK 1 875. 

Farms 93 value $195,105 

Houses - S;'^ 

Barns 97 

Sheds 

Corn c 

Sugar houses 2 • • 

206 76,600 



■ - • - - -o 

Corn crib i 



IILSTOIIV OF (^O.SHEX. 

Land in crops 1,896 acres $ 45,552 

Orchard land, 39 " i,i8o 

Unimproved land, 5,529 " 37)328 

Unimprovable land, 350 " 1 10 

Woodland, i ,837 " 34,335 

9.651 118,505 

Bees, swarms, 8 $ 45 

Bulls, 18 557 

Calves, 98 903 

Colls, 14 1,175 

Dogs, 28 -'99 

Creese, 2 2 

Guinea fowls- 6 ,. 8 

Heifers, 75 1,536 

Hens and chickens, 1,000 790 

Hegs, 45 6oc5 

Horses, 87, 8,596 

Lambs, 24 92 

Milch Cows, 190 8,648 

Oxen, 32 2,750 

Pigs, 14 • 124 

Sheep, 64 270 

Steers, 40 i)24i 

Turkeys, 50 !^4 

$27,620 

AGGREGATES. 

Land $118,505 

Buildings 76,600 

Fruit trees 3i'~*7o 

Domestic animals 27,620 

Agricultural tools in use 7-366 

5233.961 



88 HISTORY OF GOSHElSr; 

JliUs and Ma nuf actor Ics. 

Reuben Dresser built a saw mill, one of the first in town, more than 
a hundred years since, below the Dresser Pond. A broom-handle- 
faciory was added about forty years ago; and later, button moulds 
have been manufactured there. It now I)elongs to the heirs of C. C. 
Dresser. About two miles above , Emmons Putney built a saw mill 
not far from 1S35, which ran for twenty years or more, and was owned 
finally by \Vm. H. Webst^^r. 

Ezekiel Corbin had a grist mill on Swift Rivera little below Shaw's, 
bridge near Cummington line, as early as 1796. James Patrick had 
a saw niid grist mill two miles or so above, on Swift River, near Ash- 
field line, built about 1788. Daniel Williams, many years later built 
a new mill and and stone dam a few rods above the old mill, which 
has since been owned by Samuel Ranney and others, and later, for 
many years, by J. D. Shipman, who sold in 1S80 to Ansel Cole. 
Stone's saw mill and broom handle factoiy, on Stone's brook, a 
branch of Swift River, were erected in 1828. It was the fi.rst factory 
for turning broom handles by machinery in this vicinity. Planes 
were made herefrom j854to 1859 by Hiram Barrus and biothers. 
At the present time, the works comprise a saw mill and brush handle 
factory, owned by Amos H. Stone and Son. The second grist mill 
in town stood about forty rods higher up the stream, built by Capt. 
Bigelow. Maj. Ambrose Stone in 1780 changed the works to a ful- 
ling mill and clothier establishment, the first by nearly forty years for 
many miles around. Nearly a mile above, Willard and Hiram Pack- 
ard had a saw mill which was abandoned more than 20 years ago. 
Still further up, on a branch of Stone's brook at the outlet of Beaver 
Meadow, is Sears' saw mill, formerly owned by Dea. Stephen Par- 
sons. Beaver iSleadow is connected by a small stream with the upper 
Reservoir, which in time of high water, discharged its waters in two 
directions — one, through Stone's brook into the Westfield River, the 
other through Mill River into tiie C junecticut. Near the south end 
of the upper Reservoir, built in 1S73, was another saw mill erected; 
by Francis and 'J'homas Lyman about 60 years ago. At the lower 
Reservoir, on the street east of the meeting-house, there was an an- 
cient saw mill, owned by John Williams — called "Carpenter John," 
to distinguish him from "Squire John,' the Postmaster. It was after- 
ward owned by Abner Moore, who added a small, grist mill with. 



HISTOKY OF GDSHEN. 89 

broom handle and Initton nionld factory. A little below is the saw 
mill of Kodney Hawks, on the site of another built some forty years 
ago. 

Farther down Mill River is the remains of an old dam that marks 
the place where Nehemiah May and Ebenezer Putney about 1788 
erected a mill for grinding" sumac to be sent to Europe for tanning 
morocco. But it did not pay and was given up. Just below, Emmons 
Putney erected a saw mill in i!^39. He has made button moulds heie 
for manv years. He states that one girl turned off for him in one 
day 150 gross of moulds, equal .to 21,600 pieces. Pelow Putney's 
mill, was another, built about 1815 by Ebenezer White and Elias 
Lyon, and afterwards owned by ('apt. Horace Packard and sons. 
About a mile below, Nehemiah May bnilt a grist mill more than a 
century since, said to have been the first in town, which stood for 50 
years. Not a vQStige of the old timbers remain, but Maj. Hawks re- 
members going there to mill in his boyhood. On Harding's brook, a 
tributary of Mill River, coming down from the vicinity of Moore's 
Hill, Asa White built a saw mill nearly fifty years since, which lun 
for only a few years. 

Cider mills, run by horse power, belonged to Dresser, White, James, 
Gloyd, Lyman, Packard and Naramore. The Packard mill, owned 
by Joseph Beals, still exists; and E. C. Packard has recently set up 
another. 

In 1812 Major Stone and Sons furnished considerable quantities of 
cloth for our army. It was narrow in widih, but sold for a high 
price. Ill 1 7 No he bought wool at an a\e; :;^.' piice of 25 cents per 
lb., which in 1812 was worth $2. Other mills of the kind ht ( om- 
ing inconveniently numerous, Stone finally gave up the bu.siness, 
having pursued it for nearly fifty years. 

Levi Kingman, of Cummington, did a succe.s.sful I);isine-;s here 
about 1812-14, in the manufacture of jialeiit overshoes, c.iUed " I'us- 
carora socks." They had an e.vtensive silc-. ami were long a popular 
article. 

Solomon Parsons and John James engaged cpiitc largely in the 
manufacture of potash, and continued in the business for many 
years. 



90 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

There was formerly a tanciery owned by Oliver Taylor where Win. 
H. Webster lived. It was in operation before the Revolutionary 
War. Taylor enlisted and went into the army, but it becoming 
known that he was a tanner, he was sent home to work at his trade, 
as he could be more useful in that department, laboring for the sol- 
diers, than by serving in the field with them. Another tannery near 
where William Tilton lived was owned for many years by his brother, 
Benjamin Tilton. 

Thomas Weeks, Jason Olds, Silas Olds, and Levi Stearns were the 
l^rincipal cabinet-makers that have carried on the business here ; and 
they belonged to a former age. Capt. Weeks did all his wood-turn- 
ing by means of a spring-pole and treadle-lathe, the foot being the 
motive power. Spinning-wheels were made by him, and at a later 
day by Reuben Kingman. 

The blacksmiths doing business Iiere have been few. John Wil- 
liams, Jonah Williams, Thomas Brown, Cyrus Stearns, Thomas W. 
Stearns, Asahel Billings and Elijah Billings comprise all, or nearly 
all, of that trade. Cyrus Stearns claimed to be the inventor of the 
circular " claw," forming a part of the modern nail hammer. The 
" claw " was formerly a right angle, and none others were in use till 
Stearns made several with a circular claw, which soon became the 
universal pattern. 

Professional shoe-makers were never a numerous class in this 
community. Joshua Packard, Sr., was one of the principal of his 
day. Later, there have been Hatti! Washburn, Sr., John V. Hunt, 
Lysander and Spencer Gurney and Lowell Hunt. The public in 
former times were served in this line by a class of shoe-maVers who, 
in the common parlance, went round '' whipping the cat,"' or in other 
words, went to the house of the person employing them and worked 
by the day till the family were supplied for the winter, the employer 
furnishing the leather and "findings." Then the shoemaker took his 
''kit" of tools and went to work for another customer in the same 
way. Moccasins instead of boots and shoes v/ere worn by the early 
settlers. 

A tailor by profession was unknown in the early history of the 
town. The mother generally understood the art of fitting the gar- 
ments to her family, and if she needed assistance there were a class 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 91 

of maiden aunts known as tailoresses that were always obtainable, 
and wlierever and whenever wanted, in their peculiar vocation. 

Tiie most prominent carpenters and mill-wrights of the past were 
Samuel Mott. Ebenezer White, Joshua Packard, Jr., John Williams, 
2d, (known as " Carpenter Williams, ") Wm. Abell, George Abell, 
Horace Packard and Asa White, Frebun W. Packard and C. C. 
Dresser. Previous to 1812, buildings were framed by the old system, 
known as the " try rule." It necessitated putting together every 
joint in a frame, and marking it by a number or character, so that 
when the building was raised each tenon should have its appropriate 
mortise, otherwise the work of raising the frame would be impossible. 
In 1812, Levi Bates of Cunnnington framed the house now owned by 
H. and A. Barrus, by the new system, called "square rule." A 
prominent house-builder from New York city, who worked only by 
" try rule," was present one day, and said in the hearing of Bates, 
that the house framed by his new-fangled notion of square rule could 
never be raised. But Bates went on with his square rule work, and 
the New Yorker left with an arrangement to have a letter sent to him 
detailing the result. As Bates anticipated, the raising was a. perfect 
demonstration of the superiority of the modern system. Never was 
frame more easily raised or more perfect in the fitting of its joints. 
" There," said the correspondent of the New Yorker, when he saw 
the work completed, " the next mail shall carry word to my friend of 
the satisfactory performance of such a remarkable feat.'' 

Tiie first wooden clocks nia'Ie in this vicinity were the work, it is 
said, of Zelotus Reed, about 1796. Portions of his work still remain- 
ing, show that the art of clock-making had not then reached perfec- 
tion. The weights of the clocks were of stone, and the bells were 
of Reed's own casting. His prices were from $25 to $30 each. 
While living here, he became interested in the expansive power of 
steam, and actually constructed a small, steam engine of considerable 
power. 

Alaj. Ambrose Stone stated that this engine turned a small shaft 
with so much power that he was not able to hold it with both hands, 
although the boiler held only ;vbout a pint. It is not known on what 
principle his engine was constructed. Simeon Reed, the father of 
Zelotus, belonged in Cumniington, and was also a man of much in- 



92 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

{:;enuity and a maker of clocks. It is said liiat lie constructed the 
first machine in the country for making cut nails; that when lie had 
brought it nearly to perfection, two of his neighbors, with a friend of 
theirs from Abington, stealthily ascended a ladder they had set up to 
a window of the room of his house, where he worked on his machine 
in secret. After comj^rehending the idea of the invenlor, they de- 
parted and soon afterward brought out a new machine of their own at 
Abington. which was the starting point of the present extensive busi- 
ness in nail making in that portion of tlie state. 

In 1851, a joint stock company, comprising about 40 members, 
was formed for making planes and other tools, under the name of the 
"Union Tool Co." They purchased the shop and stock of Abner 
Moore, who had been for a short time engaged in the business, em- 
ployed about 20 hands and carried on the manufacture about two and 
a half years. The results were not such as to render ''joint stock 
companies," in this section, very popular. The expenses not only ab- 
sorbed the capital invested, but involved the private pKjperty of the 
stockholders. Litigation followed and several questions werecarried 
to the Supreme Court for decision. The last qucsiion decided by the 
Court was one of much interest to the stockholders and of some sur- 
prise to the public, considering the long time the business of manu- 
facturing tools has been carried on. Tiie decision was substantially 
this: — That inasmuch as the organization of the concern was in- 
complete, the company had no legal existence; and as a necessary re- 
sult, no one could be held as a stockholder, liable to pay any of the 
company's debts. 

MUltdnj ( 'onijxinics. 

The "Gore" had what was called a Lieutenant's company, com- 
manded by Lieut. Lemuel Lyon, which afterwards became the Goshen 
Company of Infantry. Its first Captain was William White. His 
successors were Barzillai Banister, Lemuel Banister, Ambrose Stone, 
Joseph Naramore, Cheney Taft, Malachi James, John Grnnt, Timo- 
thy Lyman, Reuben Dresser, John Smith, Francis Lyman, Joseph 
Wliite, William Abell, Ceorge Abell, Fordyce Rice, Zimri Newell 
Cyrel Tfpso'i- Ambrose Stone became Major of the company and 
Timothy Lyijmn, Colonel of the regiment. 

A compariy of artillery was early formed here, with Freeborn May- 
hew for captain. He removed to Ciiarlemont and was succeeded by 



HISTORY OF GORUEN. 



93 



Nehemiah May, who became colomd of the fegiinent, and Alpheus 
Naraniore as captain, wlio died in office in iSo6. It was a popular 
company and its membership was extended into other towns. The 
Phiinfield members soon outnumbered the others, chose officers be- 
longing to that town and removed the field pieces thither from Go- 
shen. Tlie n :>me was finally changed to "Plainfield Artillery." The 
Company in its early d )ys was noted for its stalwart men. It boasted 
at one time of having -haif a ton of sergeants. Thaddeus Naramore, 

Stephen Kellogg, Josiah White and Bates. 

The first field pieces used by the company were iron, iiaounled on 
"slug" wheels— wooden wheels without spokes. The inspecting offi- 
cer caused these pieces, on account of their great weight, to be ex- 
changed for brass. The new pieces when received were taken to the 
common near the old church for "trial." They were heavily loaded, 
and the first discharge produced such a concussion as to break out a 
large quantity of glass from the windows of the church, and satisfied 
the company of the efficiency of their guns. The gun-house stood 
upon the east side of the street, just south of the common. 

A flourishing company of cavalry, belonging to this section, h.ul a 
large number of its members from this town. The first Captain is 
said to have belonged in Hatfield. The persons succeeding to the 
office were as follows, and as nearly as can be ascertained in the or- 
der given: Edmund Lazell and Stephen French, Sen., of Cummington; 
Trowbridge Ward, of Worthington, afterward Colonel; Eli Bryant, 

Consider Ewell, Kingsley, of Chesterfield; Joseph Warner, of 

Cummington, Luther Stone of Goshen, afterward Colonel; Chester 
Mitchell of Cummington; Lewis Gibbs of Chesterfield; Horace Pack- 
ard of Goshen; Oren Stone of Worthington; Joseph Hawks of Goshen, 
Major; Hudson Bates of Chesterfield. 

In its palmy days, this company had the reputation of being one 
of the best in tiie state. Efficient men only were allowed to enlist in 
it and it long maintained its pre-eminence. It was remarked by one 
who knew, that wherever the company made its appearance, all other 
parties were careful to give them elbow-room. 

The following is the company as officered in 1S20. 



94 HISTOEY OF GOSHEN. 

Boll of Capt. Joseph Warners Company of Cavalry, April 5, 1820. 

Captain, Joseph Warner, 

Lieutenant, William Hubbard, 

" Luther Stone, 

Cornet, Chester Mitchell, 

Sergeant, Thomas Darling, 

" Asa CotU-ell, Jr., 

" Levi Clapp, 

" Nathan Fuller, Jr., 

Trumpeter, John Moore, 

Corporal, Amasa Putney, 

" Simeon Streeter, 

" Daniel Goodwin, 

" Rufus Meach. 

Privates. 

William Meach, Moses Jewell, 

William Parish, James Snow, Jr , 

Thomas Lyman, Chester Anable, 

Joseph Jepson. Jr., William Davis, Jr., 

Abraham Edwards, Quartus Warner, 

Amos Moore, Ephraim Finney, 

Theodore Parsons, Solomon P. Fitch, 

Jacob Gloyd, Bela Mitchell, 

Ralph Utle}', John W. Brown, 

Gershom House, William Knapp, 

Consider Pynchon, Rolin Foote, 

Horace Packard, Rufus Cottrell, 

William Jones, Timothy Hall, 

Elisha Baker, Jr., George Kingsley, 

Hiel Dunham, Nathan A. Wilder, saddler. 



HISTORY or GOSHEN, 



95 



CHAPTER Vlll. 

The W(ir of the Bevohifion. 

The records of the town, hicorporated as it was so near the 
close of the war, show, of necessity, but little of the real amount of 
burden borne by the inhabitants during the great contest for liberty. 
But the account of the votes of the town given in a former chapter 
show that the town was not remiss in doing its whole duty. 

Some of the men who were drafted for the army, had the choice of 
going in person, or providing substitutes, or paying a fine, which 
varie'd in amount as the war progressed and the paper money depre- 
ciated. Benjamin Abell was notified May 19, i777. by Lieut. Wd- 
liam White, that he was drafted, and on the next day paid ten 
pounds as his fine for a discharge till January 10, 1778. June 25, 
1779, Nathaniel Abell paid a ftne of forty five pounds to William 
White, Captain, for a release for nine months. June 25, i7«o, 
Joshu'a Abell paid one hundred and f^fty pounds to Paul King, 
Lieut having been drafted for six months. 

There is no authentic record of the names of ^// who went from 
this town into the army, but the list of minute men who marched on 
the Lexington alarm has been given, and the original papers are m 
possession of Wm. H. Webster, grandson of the captain. 

A brief account of the services of several of the veterans, gathered 
from their own statements and from other sources must supply the 
lack of records. 

Toshua Abell was at the battle of Bennington, and after the 
fighting was over came near losing his life. A stray bullet struck 
hFs <vun b;irrel with which he was marching, just over his heart, and 
glai^ced of^ leaving him unhurt. The gun is an heir-loom in the 
family of the late Capt. George Abell, and the indentation made by 
British lead, is still to be seen. The same gun was also in service in 
the war of 1S12. Abell was at Burgoyne's surrender. 



96 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Christoplicr Banister became a captain, and had command of a 
company thai were sent to watch the British, while at New York atid 
Long- Island. He afterwards, before the close of the war, attained 
ti«e rank of Major. Ezra May, as Major, was with Banister, and was 
afterward at the taking of Biirgoyne, being then Colonel. He 
returned home in consequence of ill i:iealth, and died in January, 
177S, at the age of 46. 

Wait Bulk and Ezekiel Thomas went into tlie army from the 
"Gore " in 17 So. A pay roll of " six months men " is on file at the 
State House in Boston, sliowing they were in service from July to 
December. 

Asa Grant, father of the late Capt. John Grant, was out one sea- 
son at Fairfield, Conn. He was an ex))ert at sharp-shooting. 
While on the Long Island coast, several sentries had been shot on 
one of our vessels by the enemy from the opposite shore. Grant, 
with this knowledge as a caution, was directed to take the place of 
the last sentry shot. He took his position partly behind the mast of 
the vessel. Soon came a bullet and struck the mast. Another, and 
at length anotiier followed. Grant had discovered the covert whence 
they came. Taking good aim at that, he fired. Whether he killed 
any one, he never knew, but he had the satisfaction of knowing that 
no more men were shot off our sentry post from that source. 

William Hallock and his son Moses went for a term into New 
Jersey. Jeremiah Hallock had two terms of service, one of which 
was at Ticonderoga. 

Isaac Kingman. John and Joseph Jepson, Caleb Bryant, David 
Stearns, Jr., with his brothers Lemuel and John, served in places 
unknown to the writer. 

Major Josiah Lyman, who lived in this town, probably from about 
1800 till his decease in 1822, was an officer of the Revolution. He 
was then of Belchertown, and commanded a company in Col. Elisha 
Porter's Regiment that went to Quebec. The town of Belchertown 
voted " that in consideration of the great hardships Capt. Josiah 
Lyman went through in last year's campaign at Quebec, and also that 
he has been in the war ever since, voted that his poll and estate be 
freed from being taxed in this levy for raising men to go into the 
continental service." 



HISTORY OF gostit:n. 97 

Timothy Lyman was at llie taking of Ticonderoga, tlie battle of 
Bennington and at tlie suriender of Burgoyne. At tiie close of his 
services, he brought home a musket taken from the British at Sara- 
toga, called a "Queen's arm," which is now in the possession of his 
grandson, Lieut. Tiniothy P. Lyman. 

Phineas Manning, who came from Stafford, Conn., served through 
the whole war, was acquainted with Gen. Washington, and iiad seen 
him during a battle ride between the contending armies, regardless 
of danger. At the battle of Monmouth, Manning was one of tlie 
participants, and suffered intensely from the heat, during that terrible 
day. He went to a spring of water to slake his tliiist, and there 
found several of his companions dead from drinking too much cold 
water, heated and thirsty as tiiey had been. He was at tlie battle 
of White Plains, wintered in Virginia, was at the taking of Cornwal- 
lis, and was on the vanguard that covered the artillery at the battle 
of Trenton. He received from Gen. Washington a "badge of merit." 

The " badge of merit," was an honorary badge of distinction 
established by Gen. Washington in .-Vugust, 17S1, and was conferred 
upon non commissioned officers and soldiers who had served " three 
years with biaverV; fidelity and good conduct," and also upon every 
one who should perform any singularly meritorious action. The 
badge entitled the recipient "to pass and repass all guards and mil- 
itary posts, as fully and amply as any commissioned officer what- 
ever." His widow received apension in consitleration of his services, 
and, it is believed, was the last of the Revolutionary pensioners in 
this town. 

James Orcutt was stationed for a time at West Point. He was in 
command of the guard at the great chain across the Hudson on the 
nigiit when the troops of Washington came to take possession of the 
place, on the treachery of Arnold. Orcutt had learned nothing of 
the Arnold defection, and challenged the approaching column. But 
they were too intent on securing Arn.old, to notice challeriges, and 
rushed by without nole or comment. 

Caleb Packard, son of Joshua, at the age of 17 was at the taking 
of Burgoyne. He drew a pension in the latter years of his life. 



98 HISTORY OF GOSHEISr. 

Maj. Ambrose Stone served under Gen. Ward at Boston, and under 
Arnold at Lake Cliamplaiii. When the British vessels on the lake 
attacked our vessels and drove them ashore, most of the men escaped 
in boats. Maj. Stone and several others, when the British gave up 
the chase, wiire in a boat some two miles distant. A round from a 
cannon ricocheted over them, which the enemy sent as a parting sa- 
lute. Before they left the larger vessels, several of our men were 
killed in the action. Maj. Stone was in the battle of Saratoga when 
Burgoyne surrendered. At one time during the battle the smoke 
suddenly cleared away and he found himself standing" face to face 
with the enemy — alone — his own men having retreated under cover 
of the adjoining wood. The Major discharged his musket, leaped a 
rail fence and escaped. He spent the winter at Valley Forge under 
Gen. Washington, whom he often saw while there. When asked if 
the likeness of Washington gave a correct idea of his appearance, he 
said he never saw a likeness that did full justice to him. The statue 
of Washington in the State House at Boston, he regarded as the 
closest resemblance to him of anything he ever saw. 

Abiathar Vinton was in the army for a short time, but disliking that 
kind of life, Levi Vinton took his place and subsequently drew a pen- 
sion. 

Zebulon Willcut was in service nineteen months. . He was engaged 
in several skirmishes with the enemy in Rhode Island and at Ticon- 
deroga. During the latter years of his life he received a pension. 

Isaac Walker was with our army in Canada. He was there taken 
with small pox, and before recovering, our troops were compelled to 
retreat and leave hirn to the tender mercies of the enemy and of his 
terrible disease. He was never heard of again. Polly Walker, his 
daughter, was long a town pauper. His residence was on the road 
toward Chesterfield, beyond the Capt. Webster place. 

Thomas Weeks, a Lieutenant in 1775, marched from Greenwich, 
where he then resided, April 20, on the Lexington alarm, in command 
of part of a company, "in defense of the liberties of America" — as it 
was expressed on the pay roll of his men. He was at camp Roxbury 
later in the year. He served as paymaster and in other positions of 
importance. He left many papers relating to the affairs of his time 
and several journals. One of these, relating to events occurring in 
1776, in Boston harbor, is worthy of preservation. 



HISTORY or GOSHEN. 99 

'■^Lieut. T/iODias Week's Jonrnal for the present ecunpdUjn, after ar- 
rir'nifi fit Boston, June 4, 177G. 

Took barracks on Winter's wharf, wlrere we tarried till the 13th, when we were 
ordered to embark on board of sloops and flat bottomed boats for Hull, or Nantas- 
ket, Point Alderton, &c., opposite'George's Island and the lighthouse. It being 
about sunset when we left Boston, the wind and the tide did not serve us till we got 
to our journey's end, which caused us to toil all night on the mighty waters. A 
little after sunrise of the 14th we sailed by the fleet, within gun shot of the Corwmo- 
dore's ship, and landed under cover of a hill on Nantasket Point, with about 2oe of 
Col. Whitney's regiment. The same evening there went a detachment on to the 
head of Long Island opposite to us. Soon after landing they commenced firing on 
the ships, :ind soon bored the Commodore's through the stern. The ships, being 
14 sail, weighed anchor and put about in order to depart, but kept up meanwhile an 
incessant fire upon us. 

"Although the cannon balls came among us in great iJJentyand very near many of 
us, vet a righteous God suffered none of them to harm us. Aliout 12 o'clock the 
fleet liad towed alon^; out ab'iut a mile and a half and l.iy alongside the lighthouse, 
out of reach of oiH" battery on l^vi^ Island. P>y this time we had our cannon 
mounted on an eminence near Puint Alderton, and after Hring several shots at the 
enemy set fire to the lighthouse and blew it up. They hoisted sail, gave us one shot 
from the Commodore, and m.ide their departure. Dy this time we were reinforced 
by a large body of militia and other troops, and being in sight of the departing ene- 
my, with one voice we gave three cheers. Truly, where is there an American son of 
liberty who will not join in acclamations at the thought that America has, by force 
and arms, under God, repealed the Boston Port Bill, ihe f.uirteenth of June, 1776, 
which, by an act of British Parliament, took place June 14, 1774. May God grant 
the Colony of Massachusetts may ever have occasion to commemorate this 14th of 
June, 1776. 

"June 16, Sunday mornihg. A ship and a brig t.f the enemv were discovered off 
the Sound, engaged with our privateers. About sunset the ship and brig came in 
and lay alongsiiie of our battery, the privateers behind them. We fired upon the 
brig, as she was nearest, which soon struck to us, and sent on shore a captain of a 
Highland company which was on board. We called to her to send her master on 
shore, but it being now dark, she got off and made after the ship, which then had got 
to George's Island, and being ignorant of the departure of the fleet before, and now 
being jealous they were in a trap, were making round George's Island in order to 
flee out. By this time our privateers came up with them, and ^vrp. reinforced by 
the Connecticut, a brig of 16 guns, which came up within musket shot ef the ship. 
It being about 10 o'clock, and very dark, a veiywaim trgagcment followed with 
cannon and small arms, which lasted an hour and a cpiartcr, when the ship and brig 
struck; the firing ceased, and three cheers were given by the jjrivalcers. The cap- 
tured vessels had about iSo Highlanders on board. The shii) had one Major, and 
several killed ; the privateers, four wwunded. 

"June 18. Another ship hove in sight and fired a signal gun. Our privateers be. 
ing then in the road answered her. The ship came up, a privateer fired a gun at her 



100 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

bow, another at her stern, when she surrendered without firir.g a gun. She had on 
board looo Highlanders. 

"Sunday, [una 23, still at Hull. Discovered in the ]5ay about 10 sail heading to- 
wards us. 24th. The fleet lay in siglu and cruising in, the bay. 25th. The fleet 
made up almost to Nantasket Road near the lighthouse. They sent a boat on 
shore at the light, which was out of nur reach, but immediately put on board again. 
The fleet then made ab;nit, luffed their sails and lay to. The ne.xt day they bore 
away toward Marblehead. June 27th. One of the ships returned to the light, 
(where our people had erected a mast in place of the lighthouse, and put a lamp 
and flag on the top.) and sent a number of their barges and took the lamii and flag 
and proceeded to Great Brewster, an eminence opposite N.intasket, where were a 
number of people making hay, on which the people ran to us and had shelter. The 
barge crew then returned to the ship, when thevall mada off" and returned no more. 

"July I. Went to Boston, and on the way went on board the Connecticut brig 
where we were courteously treated. The next day returned on a sloop. A storm 
came up on our passage, with thunder, wind and rain. We were in some danger, 
but by Divine goodness we arrived safe the same evening. 

"J"'y 3- Azor Smith, a soldier in our company, in the bloom of youth, departed 
this life, I hope for a better. God grant it may be sanctified to his surviving friends 
and to this coTiipany. 

"Sunday, July 8. This day came in a brig taken by the privateers, her loading 
about 300 hogsheads of rum. We hear also that a ship of about 600 tons burthen 
was carried into Salem with 570 hogsheads of sugar." 

In March, 1777, he was at. Ticoncleio;^;<, and remained till its 
evacuation by our own troops, on the nii;ht of July 5- He left an 
account of his losses of property in that disastrous retreat, which 
were considerable in amount, expecting that the government would 
eventually make his losses good. But his expectations were not 
realized. 

March 28, 1777, he writes a letter from Ticonderoga, to his wife at 
Greenwich, which contains some items of interest concerning the 
affairs of that day. He says : 

" Th;re is a post that comes by Capt. Dwight's in Beichertown every week, so 
that tlev may send to us any time. We had a sleigh come up with us all the way, 
but very expensive. We are to be paid for it, however. The paymaster has not 
arrived, and I have not received a farthing yet. Elijah (his snn) is well, well con- 
tented, and lives as well as at home. We live with the Major in a good barrack, 
have good pork and beef, good bread and peas, and sometimes beans that grew in 
Greenwich. We have but few troops here yet, but expect more daily. The 
Indians are about us. They have killed four men and taken 20 more prisoners. I 
am much exposed, being constantly in camj)." 

William White, who went in Capt. Webster's company to Dorches- 
ter, does not appear to have had at this time a long service in the 



HISTORY or GOSHEN. 101 

army. Wlieii lie letuined home from Dorchester, he Iircught several 
large folio volumes of " Flavel's Works," in his Unapsack, taken 
from the Light House captured by our troops from the British, which 
are slill retained by his descendants. In June, lySo, he went as 
delegate to the Provincial Congre.ss from the town of Chesterfield, 
and his bill, rendered to the town for services and e.xpenses in that 
capacity, serve to ^liow the stale of the currency at that time. The 
charges are: — 

15 days' attendance $36 per clay. 

Expenses 8 days 25 " 

Horse-keeping 9 days ^ 10 " 

Horse 11 2 miles 2 ])er mile. 

Expenses on road 97 

But the de])reciation soon became much ^^reater, so that a certain 
soldier in returning home paid f-8o of it for his bieakfast. This 
currency, knovn as "Continental money," was made of thick, strong 
paper, 2 lo 3 inches square, containing on one side the following 
(varying for different amounts) : 

"This Bill entitles the Bearer to receive One Spanish milled Dol- 
lar, or the value tliereof, in Gold or Silver, according to a Resolu- 
tion of CoNGRKSS, passed at Philadelphia, November 2, 1776." On 
the other side was printed, "One Dollar — Philadelphia. Printed 
by Hall and Sellers, 1776.'' A few specimens of this f:urrency are 
occasionally found among the older families residing in the town. 

The value of twenty shillings in paper money, January 1, 1777, was 
19 shillings; in January, 1778, 6 shillings; in January, 1779, 3 shil- 
lings ; in January, 1780, 8 pence ; in January, 1781, 3 pence. This 
town and others in this vicinity, at a little later date, appear to have 
been almost unanimously in favor of paper currency ; on the contrary 
Lexington instructed its representative to oppose the emission oi any 
paper money. Experience shows that wiien a dollar in paper will 
purchase a dollar in gold, the paper is generally preferred. When a 
dollar in paper will not purchase a dollar in gold, it quickly goes 
into the category with ''rags." 

It has been mentioned that a poi tion of the prisoners taken upon 
the surrender of Burgoyne, j^assed through the town under guard, on 
their way to Boston. The late Capt. John Grant, then a lad of six 



102 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

or seven j-ears, remembered seeing them pass his father's house. 
There were not far from two hundred of them. Tliere were several 
women with ihem, riding on horses. Another portion of the pris- 
oners passed through Chesterfield. Quite a number of them 
deserted and remained in these towns. One, by the name of Hughes, 
built a log house, married, and lived for many years on land belong- 
ing to the heirs of Levi Barrus, which still retains the appellation of 
"Hughes' Lot." Daniel Brown, who had served in our army, was 
once relating to Hughes the circumstance of his practising as a sharp- 
shooter, upon ihe British troops at a certain place. Hughes recol- 
lected the event, and told Brown that one of his shots took effect 
and seriously wounded a companion of his. 

The father of James and Daniel Prince, known for some years as 
tho oldest twins in the United States was another deserter. He 
married a daughter of James Packard of this town. 

An aged citizen of the town a few years ago repeated the following 
old song learned in his boyhood, which belongs to the literature of 
the Revolution. Some wag of those times made the British troops 
say: 

'Twas on the fourteenth day of May 
When we set sail for America. 
'Twas in the dark and dismal times 
When we set sail for the northern climes. 

Our drums did b'fat and trumpets sound 
• As unto Boston we were bound, 
And whew to Boston we were come 
W^e thought to beat a British drum — 
To drive those rebels from their place, 
And fill their hearts with sore disgrace. 
But to our sorrow and surprise 
We saw them like grasshoppers rise; 
We saw those brave Columbian sons 
Spread death and slaughter from their guns. 
They fought like heroes much in rage, 
Which did affright old General Gage. 

In 17S2, the King of Great Britain, dissatisfied probably with .the 
conduct of the war in America, changed his ministry. A witty critic 
p'ut the fact into rhyme and pointed it with a suggestion that our 
people would be likely to appreciate. The following verse contains 
the chief point : 



HISTORY OF GOSHEK. 103 

T!)e King in a pet, his affairs all deranged, 
Has at last his unmerciful ministers changed ; 
Brave news, cjuoth the Congress; but better would be 
Had the King, when he changed them, omitted the c. 

TJie \V(ir of 1812. 

The details of the action of the town and its militai"}' record during 
this war has already been given on pages 26-7-S. The name of 
another soldier may be added to the list. John Manning, son of 
Phinehas, enlisted and served through the war. He received a 
wound which so far disabled him that he was pensioned for life. 

It is doubtful whetiier any family in the country can show a better 
war record than this family of Mannings. Phinehas, the pioneer, 
served through the entire war of the Revolution. This son John 
served through the war of 1812. Geo. W. Manning;, brother of John, 
sent five sons and a son-in-law,- the husband of his only daughter, to 
the defence of the country in the war of the rebellion, of whom an 
account is given under the next caption. Mr. Manning lived to 
about four score years of age, and for many years was very appro- 
priately brevetted by his neighbors with the title of "General." The 
family have always been among the most peaceable citizens of the 
town, and would from that fact seem unlikely to be among the "first 
in war." 

TJie Great BebeUion. 

The town fulfilled its share in the work of crushing the Great 
Rebellion, with commendable promptness and fidelitv. The whole 
amount of money paid out for bounties and substitutes was 
$5,440. The whole number of soldiers assigned to the town, as its 
share of the quota raised, was 41. Of these, 30 were citizens of the 
town, Charles Barrus, Gershoin Damon, Warren Ball, Frederick S. 
Billings and Spencer Tilton furnished substitutes ; six other persons 
were procured from abroad, through agents, one representative 
recruit was obtained, and two of the soldiers rc-enlisted, making a 
total furnished by the town of 47 — 6 more than was required to fill 
its quota. 

One of the first persons to enlist from the town, and that without 
bounty,was Timothy P. Lyman, son of Capt. Francis, who enlisted in the 



104: HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

I St Massachusetts Cavalry, Co. E, in August, i86r. He left camp 
at Readville in December, with a portion of tlie regiment that went 
to Hillon Head, S. C. Thence he went to Virginia in August, 1862. 
At the battle of Aldie, June 17, 1863, with some eighty others, he 
was taken piisoner and sent to Richmond. After a residence of 
about a month in Libby Prison and at Belle Isle, he was paroled and 
returned within the noithern lines. Being with others declared 
exchanged by the President's order, bv reason of Gen. Pemberton's 
(rebel) army violaling their parole, he again returned to the service, 
and was in most of the battles in which the regiment was engaged in 
the army of tiie Potomac, never receiving a wound, though his cloth- 
ing was badly cut by bullets or. seveial occasions. He re-enlisted in 
Febiuary, 1864, receiving from the town, for tiie first time, a bounty 
of Si 25. He attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was Quarter- 
master of his regiment. 

George F. Tilton, son of West, enlisted in Co. F, ist Mass. Caval- 
ry, Aug. 4, 1862. He had entered Amherst college, but believing he 
owed a duty to his country which could only be discharged by serving 
in the army, he cheerfully acquiesced. He proved a good soldier,, 
served as orderly for Gen. Stoneman in his grand raid toward Rich- 
mond, at the time the battle of Fredericksburg was raging, and was 
afterwards wounded in the hip by a pistol ball, while attempting to 
rescue a comrade from capture in one of the skirmishes under Gen. 
Meade which proved fatal. He died at Alexandria, Va., Dec. 21, 
1863, at the age of 7t^. He was a graduate of Westfield, Normal 
School. 

Lorin Barrus and Alvan Barrus, sons of Levi, enlisted in the same 
regiment, Co. B, at the same time with young Tilton. They were but 
little with the regiment, the former being ®n detached dut}' at the di- 
vision iieadquarters, at Warrcnton, City Point, and other places. 
I'he latter, finding his health not equal to his patriotism, was reluct- 
antly compelled to abandon tield for hospital service. He was at 
Patterson Park and the Marine Hospitals in Baltimore for nearly two 
years, serving at the latter place as hospital steward. He was with 
his regiment for two months before their discharge, and was in sev- 
eral skirmishes. While on picket duty on the Weldon railioad, a ball 
passed through a portion of his clothing, but he escaped without a 
wound. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 105 

At another time, while stopping for a few moments to put the lock 
of his musKCt in working order, a ball from the rifle of some unseen 
rebel sharp-shooter, struck the stump on which his ninsket rested. 

Joseph Deals, son of Dexter, a descendant of the "Mountain Mil- 
ler," tMilisted with those last named, Co. F., and was chiefly on 
detached service, away from his regiment. 

Geo. Austin Abell, son of Capt. George, a native of this town, 
enlisted from Conway into the ist Massachusetts Cavalry. He was 
taken prisoner with several others, and marched for several days 
toward Richmond. He and a comrade managed to escapi; from their 
captors under cover of night, and after an absence of about ten days 
reached our lines in safety. 

Henry Parsons, son of Theodore, residing in Ashfield, belonged 
to Co. H., loth regiment, one of the first to enlist, was wounded in 
the arm at Fair Oaks. He states that many of his comrades in that 
battle fired, about thirty rounds at the enemy, though himself, not 
choosing to fire unless, as at an old fashioned squirrel hunt, he could 
bring down his game, discharged his musket only about a dozen 
times. He was in nearlv all the battles in wliich the army of the 
Potomac were engaged, including Malvern Hill, the seven days' fight, 
York town, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and the Wilderness. 

Augustus A. Manning (better known in the regiment as " Old 
Goshen," a complimentary title,) son of George W., and grandson of 
the veteran Phineas, of revolutionary memory, belonged to Co. C, 
i9th regiment, was another of the few who enlisted without bounty, 
and was with the regiment for three years nnd in twenty-nine battles 
and skirmishes. He was wounded once only, at Fair Oaks, but did 
not leave the field. • He served as Sergeant of his companv. 

George P. Manning, son of George W., of Co. C, 21st icgiment, 
was wounded with a rifle-ball while gallantly defending a masked 
battery, in the Cypress Swamp, on Roanoke Island, in the battle of 
February S, 1S62, under Eurnside. He rlied l""ebru3ry 16, aged 22. 

John H. Manning and Joel D. Manning, sons of George W., 
enlisted in the 31st regiment, Co. C, and went to Ship Island, where 



106 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

both sickened and the former died at the age of 20., The latter was 
discharged for disability, but recovering his health, he re-enlisted 
September 2, 1864, in Co. A, ist Heavy Artillery, and was in the 
battle of Hatcher's Run, October 27. 

William Manning, son of George W., enlisted iii the 20th regiment, 
was in two battles, wounded in each, the last time at one of the bat- 
tles of the Wilderness, losing a leg by an explosive rifle ball. 

James B. Taylor, son-in-law of George W. Manning, enlisted in 
Co. A, I St Heavy Artillery, was taken prisoner at Hatcher's Run 
and paroled. 

Lyman F. Rice, son of Fordyce, same company with Taylor and 
was with him taken prisoner, and returned home under parole. ' 

Anson W. Godfrey, sen of Henry T., belonged to the same com- 
pany, and was killed by a solid shot in the battle of Boydton Plank 
Road, October 27. He, with the last named three, had enlisted 
early in September, and had been only a few days in the army at the 
time he was killed. 

Levant and Leroy Phelps, Co. D, 1st Heavy Artillery, enlisted in 
December, 1863, and were in several battles. Leroy was wounded 
April I and died April 11. 

Abner Phelps, father of the above, was in Co. I, 52d regiment, 
and went to New Orleans December, 1862. The regiment was mus- 
tered out of service August 14, 1863, having returned August 3d. 
Mr. T'helps died September ist, of disease contracted in the service. 

Horace H. Packard, Co. H, 29111 regiment, was detailed for some 
time as a carpenter at Fortress Monroe, but was afterwards with his 
regiment and took part in many of the stirring scenes through which 
it passed. 

Joseph H. Dawes, son of Dryden, enlisted in the 105th regiment, 
N. Y. Vols., and had an honorable record, serving for some time as 
Orderly for his Colonel. 

Charles H. Dawes, son of Dryden, Co. B, 32d regiment, re-enlisted 
after his first term, and was four years in the service. He was in 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 107 

nearl)^ all the fighting for tiie po.ssessi()n of Richmond, twice slightly 
wounded, and for four days a prisoner. 

Henry L. Naramore, son of Franklin, Co. B, 32d regiment, was 
with his regiment till, in consequence of a wound, he was detailed 
for other duty. He was for some time leader of a hospital band at 
Annapolis, Md. 

Wm. Lyman Parsons, son of Willard, enlisted and went out with 
the 37th regiment; September, 1862. He was detailed as teamster, 
first carrying the regiment supplies, then for the brigade, and finally 
had charge of the personal supplies of Gen. Wright, commander of 
the 9th corps. 

John H. Eissell, son of Benoni B., enlisted July 23 in Co. D, 37th 
regiment. He was in all the severe battles in which his regiment 
participated (15 at least) was twice wounded, and during his three 
years' service was in hospital only one week. 

John Henry Godfrey, son of Henry T., belonged to Co. C, 52^ 
regiment, was with the regiment in all its southern campaign, during 
the full term of its service. 

Joel Wing, son of Isaac, ('o. H, 27ih regiment, was killed by the 
■explosion of shell in the battle at Newbern, N. C., March 14, 1862. 

Timothy D. Pierce enlisted in one of six companies composing 
the 1st Batallion Mass. Vols., organized for garrison duty at Fort 
Warren, in the fall of in6i. Failing health obliged him to leave the 
service before the close of the winter. 

- Plenry Putney, son of John, enlisted in the navy. 

Ansel A. Roberts of Co. C, 31st regiment, lived in town only for 
a short time previous to enlistment as one of the quota. 

Thomas S. Holman, son of Rev. Sidney Holman, enlisted in 1S62, 
and was in service as assistant-surgeon for several months at Camp 
Day, North Cambridge. Hxposure to the vicissitudes of camp-life 
produced an atTection of the lungs, of which he died at Goshen, 
December 7. 1S62, at the age of 28. 



108 HISTORY OF GOSHEK^. 

Frederick A. Hubbard, Co. F, 5 2d regiment ; Alexis R. Hubbard, 
Co. E, 34th regiment; Calvin A. Hubbard, Co. E, 5th Conn. ; sons 
of Hollon Hubbard, although not accredited to the quota of Goshen, 
may properl}' be considered, with a single exception perhaps, as 
among the soldiers of the town. The last named was at the slaugh- 
ter of Ball's Bluff, and was with Gen. Sherman in his great march 
through the southern states. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Miscelkmies. 

» 
The town belongs the Hoosac Mountain System of Hitchcock's 

Geology. The principal rocks are granite and mica slate. The 
granite is easily wrought, and is of superior quality for building pur- 
poses. The mica slate is remarkable for the regularity of its stratifi- 
cation. Large quantities have been quarried for flagging, and sold in 
the neighboring towns. Layers of almost any size and thickness are 
easily obtained, with an eveness of surface that renders it valuable 
for many purposes. The best localities are in the northwest part of 
the town, on lands of Hiram Packard, Almon B. Loomis, and T. L. 
Barrus. The layers of the rock in this part of the town descend 
northerly at an angle of 25 degrees ; but at the central part of the 
town the inclination is easterly, at an angle of about 45 degrees. At 
the south part of the town the dip of the rock turns southerly, while 
in the extreme western portion of the town above Swift River, the 
slope of the rock is westerly towards the river, extending" north and 
south. These varying positions of the over-lyingrock suggest to the stu- 
dent of nature that much of the territory of Goshen, including perhaps a 
portion of the town of Chesterfield has been, in some immensely remote 
age, pushed up with rocks, from the depths below through the mica slate 
formation to the surface-position it now occupies. The slope of the 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 109 

mica slate recks rests upon the granite in such a manner that seems to 
admit of no other satisfactory explanation. This theory, as all theo- 
ries should do, seems to account for all the known facts. 

There is an interesting locality of minerals on the farm of the late 
Levi Barrus, formerly known as the "Weeks Farm." Specimens of 
tin have been found here. The locality furnishes several varieties of 
tourmaline, rose quartz and mica, spodumene, Goshenite, and many 
other minerals of interest to the student in mineralogy. Hitchcock 
says of spodumene, "Goshen is its most abundant locality." It 
abounds on land of Geo. W. IManning, Levi Barrus, L. Stone, and in 
other places. Hitchcock, in referring to several minerals, including 
Columbite, which he says is found in two localities here, remarks: 
"Thus we find that in this region there exist several of the rarest 
metals on the globe." Crystals of beryl are occasionally found, and 
also specimens of lead ore in the granite rocks on the "James Farm." 
In the narrow valley lying between this farm and Goshen village, are 
found in considerable quantities crystals of quartz attached to 
fragments of rocks that do not appear to have originated in this 
vicinity. They probably drifted here from some foreign locality, and 
an eminent professor suggests they may belong to the tin formation. 
They were first discovered by the writer, about 20 years since, but he 
has been unable to trace them to any satisfactory origin. 

The highest point of land in the town is More's Hill, 17 13 feet 
above the level of the sea, and about 600 feet higher than Mount 
Holyoke, and 1800 less than Saddle Mountain. From the summit of 
More's Hill can be seen the mountains already named, and also Mt. 
Monadnoc in New Hampshire, and Wachusett in Worcester county. 
More than 30 church-spires can be seen here in a clear day. Am- 
herst college is in full view. In every direction a panorama ot con- 
siderable extent and beauty meets the eye, and if there was a good 
highway leading to the hill, it would becon.e a popular resort for 
summer vecreation. 

The "Great Meadow," in the northerly part of the town, referred 
to as formerly being a beaver pond, was abandoned by the beavers 
long before the territory was occupied by white settlers. It is said 
that people from Hatfield vvere accustomed to come here and cut and 
stack grass, which grew in considerable quantities, and in winter 
drive out their cattle to be fed by some person left in charge of them 
while tiie hay lasted. Only a small portion of the meadow is now in 



110 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

grass, and it is generally covered by water in the colder portions of 
the year. 

The "Lily Pond" was a natural reservoir of mire and water. Cat- 
tle cannot cross it in safety, and the bridge which passes over it is 
continually sinking, so as to require repeated layers of logs and eartli 
to bring it up to a suitable height above the water, to make traveling 
safe. Samuel Olds lowered the outlet to this pond nearly twenty 
feet, hoping to drain out the surplus water and reduce the land to cul- 
tivation, bur without success. It is said tiiat he invested the first 
hundred dollars of the "James Fund" in this enterprise. 

The Reservoir Pond, owned by the Hayden Manufacturing Co., 
covers many acres of what was formerly a fine meadow. The dam 
was first built about 1840, but proving insufficient it was enlarged and 
re-bu'lt in 1854, in a substantial manner, and at an expense of $5,000. 
The pond is a beautiful sheet of water, nearly a mile in length. 

Dresser's Pond is of similar e.xtent to the above, requiring a dam 
of much smaller dimensions, and furnishes a valuable water power. 

"The Devil's Den" is a wild rocky gorge in the southeast part of 
the town, through which Mill River fiows after leaving the "Cascade/' 
which in some seasons of the year is a waterfall of considerable 
beauty. To reach the "Den," it is desirable to have the company of 
some person acquainted wiih the place. "To enjoy it," snys the 
History of Conn. Valley, "travelers should descend the bank with a 
guide; travel down the bed of the stream between and under the 
overhanging walls of granite; tread cautiously along the rocks car- 
peted with the beautiful but treacherous moss, avoiding if possible, 
an unexpected bath in some deep, dark pool." 

The waters of the eastern part of the town pass through Mill river 
to the Connecticut, while Swift river, Stone's brook, and others of the 
western part, flow into the VVestfield. None of these streams are as 
valuable for mill purposes as they formerly were. When the country 
was covered with forests, and the swamps and meadows wereundrain- 
ed, evaporation was much less rapid than now, the rains were retained 
as if by an immense sponge, to flow off gradually. Now, the heavy 
rains flow off rapidly, the springs consequently receive a more scant 
supply, and the brooks being more exposed to the direct rays of the 
sun, their rocky beds become heated, and the evaporation of the pass- 
ing water is greatly accelerated. The result is that many of the mill 
brooks are not usually more than about half their former size. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. Ill 

The population of the town was formerly much greater than at 
present. Some of the old people gave it as being at one time about 
900, but tiie decennial census does not indicate that it ever reached 
those figures. In 1790 it was 673; in iSoo, 734; in 1810, 662; in 
1820, 682; in 1830, 606; in 1840, 463; in 1S50, 515; and in i860, 
439. On the street that formerly led fioui ihc Col. Lyman house 
eastward to More's Hill, and from thence souihward 10 Tillon si 1 eet, 
there was a considerable number of inhabitants, and many good 
farms. But there is not at present a house standing on tlie entiie 
route, and the road has been closed for manv \ ea:-^. In ihe 
southeastern part of the town, on the ok! road from Dressei"s lo Wil- 
liamsburgh, the old orchards and cellars indicate a formerly popu- 
lous neighborhoorl, but now there is not a family left. The reason 
given for the depopulation of this portion of the town, is that Reuben 
Dresser, the first settler, being a man of considerable means, bought 
out "everybody that joined him," till he had scarcely any neighbors 
within a mile. The cheap and fertile lands of the West and other 
promising fields of enterprise, have been the chief motive power in 
transferring so many of the population to other portions of the coun- 
try. Much of the soil of the town is naturally of superior quality, 
and is capable of supporting a larger population than the town ever 
possessed. But it is doubtful whether the New England towns will 
be developed to their full power, till the West ceases to tempt her 
enterprising sons with the offer of richer soils and cheaper acres. If, 
in the long future, there should come a time — and come it will — 
when all tiie now uncultivated lands of the country shall become di- 
vided into farms, and each farm shall find its owner, the cry of 
"Westwai;d, ho!" will cease. The cheap lands then will be the al- 
most abandoned lands of the East. Then will be the day when New 
England will begin to find its real capabilities. Cultivated as Old 
England is, it may become capable of sustaining a population like 
tiiat of Old England. This "good time coming" may not be so near 
as to encourage speculators to invest largely at present in this kind of 
property, nevertheless, even "the wilderness will yet blossom as the 
rosd" 

The prices of lands paid by the early settlers here, appear to have 
been very moderate. A hundred acres of some of the best farms cost 
less than $75. The late Capt. Grant states that after the lands had 
become cleareil, their price was much higher than at present. 



112 HISTOEY or GOSHEN. 

Wages were quite as low as the prices of land. Four dollars a 
month and board are f^iven as the price of ordinary labor. Deacon 
Taylor hired a female teacher, after he came Iiere in 1771, for fifty 
cents per week, and she boarded herself. In 1804, Maj Stone hired 
John Playden, Jr., of Chesterfield, to teach the school in the north- 
west district, for three months, (probably) and paid $26 as wages for 
the wliole term. In 1794, the wa;^es of an able bodied man per day 
were about fifty cents, and of a boy in his teens, per month, about $3. 
The price of an ox at that time is given at $20; a live hog weighing 
150 pounds, $4.50; beef, 3 to 5 cents per pound; wheat, per bushel, 
$1.17 to $1.50; corn, 60 cents; flax, 6 cents per pound; shingles, $1.50 
per M; hay, $6 per ton; pasturage for cow, 20 cents per week; for 
horse, 42 cents. In the way of barter, a bushel of rye or corn was 
deemed equivalent io a day's work for a man in harvest time. 

In ordinary business transactions between neighbors, a frequent 
settlement of "book accounts'" was customary, in accordance with 
the oft-repeated adage, "Short accounts make long friends." Their 
accounts were generally closed in this form: — "Reckoned and settled 
all book accounts, from the beginning of the world up to this date,'' 
both parties signing their names. 

Stone arrow heads are occasionally found here, indicating the 
former presence of Indians. In 1840 a stone gouge was found on 
the farm of Col. Stone, that evidently had been used by them in 
tapping the sugar-maple, which formerly grew upon the land. Two 
miles north, the fragments of one of their stone kettles, surrounded 
by decayed firebrands, was found several years since, another proof 
that Indians formerly procured their supplies of sugar from this 
vicinity. Fragments of flint and arrow-heads are found in such 
quantities as show that considerable time and labor must have been 
given to making their hunting-instruments in this vicinity. 

In 1788, August 19, a tornado or hurricane swept over the central 
and northern portions of the town. Its course was easterly, not 
circling like a whirlwind, but "right onward," leaving the trees, 
large and small, prostrate in one direction. A person who saw it 
said the trees bowed before it as if they had been "but grass. ' The 
frame of the Whitman house (now Emmons Putney's), just raised, 
was demolished by it, and required new timber in part for its re-erec- 
tion. Thomas Brown, 2d, then a boy of eight years, with .several 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 113 

companions, took refuge in the ho'nse where he lived, to avoid tke 
flying rails and missiles with which the air was filled. Tlie house 
began to give signs of yielding, and Justin Parsons, who was present, 
disposed of the boys upon that side of the house next the wind, that 
their weight might keep it from overturning. " The wind passed by," 
said Mr Brown, " and all out-doors seemed to be in cha(;s.'' The 
fences were jnostrate, the cattle from the pasture running at will 
through the crops, and the first business of the men was to build 
temporary yards and gather their cattle into them. Tiie Indian corn 
was entirely broken down, and would have been ruined had not the 
corn been so far ripened that the crop was almost entirely saved. In 
after years the corn was judged to be eaily or late as compared to 
the crop at the dale of the tornado. 

Another tornado following in the track of the other occurred early 
in the evening of August 14, 1834. Its path was narrow but was 
filled with ruins. It came witii a violent thunder shower which had 
been gathering for several hours. Tlie barns of Capt. Joseph Nara- 
more, Hinckley Williams and several others were unroofed. A barn 
belonging to Willard Packard was leveled to the ground, the old 
meeting-house was uprooted, the Baptist church was moved several 
inches upon its foundation, apple and sugar orchards were ruined, and 
much other damage was done. Mr. Cyrus Stearns of this town, with 
a little grandson, on his way home from Cummington, was overtaken 
by the tempest in the woods above Swift River Village, at a point in 
the highway where it passes almost directly above the river at a 
height of nearly seventy feet. The wind lifted a portion of the wagon, 
carrying the man and boy over the fearful preci[iice. The boy fell 
to the water, but was taken out living, only lo die the next day. Mr. 
Stearns fell only a portion of the distance and was saved, thougii 
severely injured by failing among the trees that lined the precipice. 
Many remarkable escapes occurred. A man passing near Hinckley , 
Willianis' house was thrown fiom his wagon, and his horse was found 
in a neighboring field whicli he must have reached by being carried 
over two intervening fences. The man himself, a little mystilled by 
the shock, perhaps, said in relating the affair, that the first thing he 
kneia, he lay there beside the wall senseless ! 

Reference is often made by old people to the deatli of young Trues- 
dale, who perished in a snow storm in the early settleni'Mit of the tcr- 
ritoiy. His f.ither, Ebenezer Trnesdale, lived on the James farm. 



114 HISTORY or GOSHEIST. 

He had finished sugaring and went to Northampton to return a bor- 
rowed kettle, and carried a small quantity of sugar. On his return 
the snow fell in such quantises, although so late in the season, that 
he lost his way and wandered in the woods till he sank exhausted 
and died. His bones were found several years after, on or near land 
now owned by Spencer "rilton, by Thomas Brown while searching 
for his cows. His foot struck the box in which Truesdale carried 
his suj^ar and led to the discovery of his remains. In the same 
vicinity a man named Bryant (grandfather of (.."apt. PLli Bryant of 
Chesterfield) perished on his way through the forest from Ashfield to 
Chesterfield. His body also was found by Dea. Brown, some months 
afterward, and was so decayed that it was buried on the spot. 

The winters ol 1797, 1807-17-27-37-47-57, were singularly alike 
and remarkable for their mildness. In January, 1837, there was so 
little snow and frost tliat some farmers ploughed their fields. 

Wild animals at the first settlement of the town were abundant. 
The depredations of wolves among sheep were frequent and severe. 
David Srearns lost nineteen lambs by them in a single night : 'I'homas 
Weeks fifteen at another time; John Smith as many more, and others 
are named as suffering from the same cause. In 1785 three pounds 
were paid by vote of the town to Wm. Header for killing a wolf. 

Deer were found in considerable numbers, and were much valued 
for their fiesh and skins. Deer Reeves, annually chosen with other 
town officers, were requiied to prosecute those who killed deer con- 
trary to hnv in those seasons of the year wdien tiiey were not in good 
condition to he eaten. 

Catamonnts were seldom found. A trapper liom North;in«pton 
killed one near Dresser's Pond, which is the oidy one known to tra- 
dition as being taken here. Wild cats were frequent. 

Wild lurkies were last seen here about the year 1800; the List bear 
was killed about 1785, just below the house of Col. Stone. The last 
deer, evidently a straggler from some northern forest, was shot in the 
winter of 1828, within thirty rods of the last named place, by Mr. 
John White of VVilliamsburgh. It had been followed for a day or two 
by the hunters and came into the Norti\ West district, passing between' 
Col. Stone's house and the bridge into the " nigger pasture," so- 
called. He soon turned back and went up the sharp hillock over- 
looking the bridge. Mr. White, standing near the bridge, caught 
sight of him at the instant, and discharged his rifle, mortally wound- 



HISTORY OF GIOSIIEX. 115 

ing him. The deer turned and ran up the river, plunging into the 
water through an opening in the ice near the line between the Stone 
and Packard places. He was taken out dead, thrown upon a passing 
load of wood, and carried off in triumph. In passing the school- 
house, the pupils, of whom the writer was one, were given an oppor- 
tunity to see it — the first they had tvcr seen, the last ever killed in 
Goslien. 

A lynx of formidable proportions was cinight in a trap and killed 
sixteen years ago by Mr. Moses Dresser. 

In the early years of the settlement here, a gang of counterfeiters 
carried on their operations in this vicinity. It is said that they had 
a secret place of resort among the locks of the forest, that still 
stretches along the highway between tlie house of Hiram Packard 
and the top of the hill eastward. 

Suspicion fastened upon a person supposed to belong to this gang, 
and u[)on hi'; learning that his arrest was contemplated, he fled to 
the woods. A llgiit snow in a few days after suggested pursuit, and 
several men starring out for tiie puipose so )n came upon his track, 
and soon afler. upon hiin. He evidently co'isidered himself in a 
desperate cause tliat wa; I ,in;ed despeiate measures, and drawing a 
circle in the snow aiotnid him, he said, ''I will be the death of the 
first man that sttps inside th,.it line." One of the party, Mr. Ebene- 
zer Putney, in a twinkling, stepped within the line, put his hand upon 
the rogue, saying, "you won't hurt vie, will you.''" Suffice it to say. 
Putney died a natural death, several years afterwards. 

The olden lime has many illustrations of conceits, whims and 
superstitions that we';e of the parentage of the dark ages. One pop- 
ular fallacy was, that hernia niight be effectually cured by putting the 
patient tiirougii a living ash tree, cleft and parted so widely as to 
allo\v the person to be " put througii." The trees so devoted, were 
not allowed to be afterward cut down, lest the felling of the tree 
should be the killing of the patient. An Irishman named King had 
taken a negro boy to bring up that had trouble of the kind named. 
The cleft tree remedy was recommended and tried, but unfortunately 
at the moment the boy was fairly wiiliin the cleft, the wedges that 
kept it open suddenly came out, and the collapse of the tree instantly 
killed him. King left the boy and ran for help, saying to the first 
man he met : "Mr. Dresser, I've brought death to Cato, but I niver 
more thougiit to bring death to Cato than I would to yersilf, sir.*' 



116 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 



The honest simplicity of the Irishman saved him from legal trouble, 
but his remedy for hernia never became popular among his 
neighbors. 

The fust apple tree was set out by the wife of Capt. Webster. He 
brought it from Northampton, using it as a ridiiig stick, and with 
much effort succeeded in making it grow. It stood just north of (he 
Webster house. In her old age, Mrs. W. becoming deranged, 
often labored under the delusion that she was away from home, and 
like most people in that condition sadly bemoaned her imaginary ab- 
sence. Her attention called to that tree would iuunediately reassure 
and quiet her. 

The first and only slaves ever owned here belonged to James Pack- 
ard. He inherited them upon the death of a relative, and took 
measures for their disposal, preferring personal property of a differ- 
ent character. Before completing his negotiations, however, Massa- 
chusetts became a free stale and her slaves free men. There were 
nine of them^ and Packard realized the truth of the old proverb, 
"There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip," and long mourned 
the mysterious Providence that prevented his becoming a rich man 
at tlie poor negroes' expense. Philip Allen, one of the number, was 
several years a citizen of the town, and lived near Maj. Stone's. The 
lot of land he owned and occupied, still retains the name of "Nigger 
pasture." 

The Shays' rebellion found sympathy here, and one man to join 
the insurgents. Major Josiah Lyman, afterward a citizen of this 
town, was under Gen. Shepherd when they met the insurgent troops 
at Springfield. His two sons, Aaron and Giles Lyman, iiad charge 
of and fited the cannon used on the occasion. Maj. Lyman related 
that the order, on meeting the insurgents, by Gen. Sliepherd, was 
first given to fire at their right, in the hope of intimidating them. But 
this having no effect, the order was then given to fire at their left. 
This also failing, the order followed, '-Aim at their center, and the 
Loid have mercy on them." The result is too well known to need 
repetition. The person from this town who participated with the re- 
bellious party, it is said, met with a narrow escape, the men who were 
shot standing each side of liim. 

The statement was made a few years since, that two young men 
lost in the woods travelled all night without finding their way out. In 
the morning it was discovered tiiat they had travelled circles each a 



HISTORY OF GOSHBX. 117 

few rods within the last, which is the usual experience of persons in 
similar circumstances. This is a singular fact that has not been sat- , 
isfactorily explained. Tiie writer, in his boyhood, with a younger 
brother, once undertook while blindfolded, to cross in a straight line 
a large field smoothly covered with snow. Every attempt was a fail- 
ure, the path made being an arc of a circle. The divergence from a 
straight line was to the hft. The conclusion drawn from this fact 
was that the right foot in an unrestrained movement makes a little 
longer step than tlie left foot makes. If this theory be correct, per- 
sons lost, "turned around," as it is usually expressed, would be likely 
to make their circuit in the same direction, to the left from a right 
line. 

A writer in one of the Boston papers, referring to the. above fact 
and its explanation, stated that the turning to tiie left and travelling 
in a circle was confirmed by his observation, but he knew of a single 
exception, — that of a man lame in his right leg, who, being lost in 
the woods, travelled in a circle, but turned to the right. The lame 
leg seems to have taken the shorter step and reversed the process by 
which the circle was produced. 

It is a popular belief that lightning will not strike a beech tree. 
In a thunder shower in this town a few years ago a beech and maple 
standing near together, with branches interlocking each other, 
received the electric bolt, which shattered the maple and passed into 
the earth through a prostrate hemlock tree lying near, which was 
stripped of i's bark nearly the whole length. No trace of the light- 
'•>ing was left upon the beech. 

X . jtion matches, invented in 1829, made their appearance in this 
vicinity sometime after 1830, but were not generally introduced for 
several years afterwards. Tliey were called, for some unknown rea- 
son, " locofoco " matches, and sometimes "lucifer" matches. 

In 1S35 the former expression became the nick-name of a political 
party. At a meeting of the New York Whigs, the Democrats, in 
order to obtain possession of the hall where it was held, blew out the 
candles, and after the Whigs had left the building, relighted them 
with these matches. 'I'hence the name Locofoco was given to the 
Democrats, and borne by them for about thirty years. 

Before the introduction of matches it was customary to keep the 
fire over night, by burying it carefully in its place in the heated ashes. 
A solid piece of wood, or better still an old dry hemlock knot which 



118 HISTORY OF GOSHEjN^. 

then abounded in the fields and woods, were considered best for 
preserving the fire. Sometimes the fire would go out during the 
night, and none be found*in the morning for kindling another. 
Various devices were resorted to for obtaining a new supply. The 
tinder box, with its flint and steel and stock of charred linen, called 
" tinder," and the old time musket lock and powder, were the most 
available means for producing the needed fire. A small boy, if 
neighbors were not over half a mile distant, was the more popular 
medium for obtaining the desired element, though, in justice to the 
boy, it should be said, that this method was never popular witli him 
— it came too early in the day. To get up out of a warm bed between 
break of day and sunrise, on a snowy or rainy, or bitter cold morn- 
ing, and go for a few coals of fire to a distant neighbor's, had little 
romance or fun in it. 

The general introduction of stoves in those years, lacking as they 
were in fire-keeping qualities, made some more expeditious means of 
producing fire a necessity, which the invention of matches supplied. 

The town has had its due share of fatal accidents. 
) Nahum Putney, son of Ebenezer ist, went out to Ohio about 1815, 
i and was drowned in Lake Eiie, while trying to rescue another from 
the same fate. 

James, son of Capt. Edward Wing, was drowned June 7, 1797. 

Two sons of George Stephenson, Fraiik aged eight, and Fred aged 
ten, his only children, and Herbert, son of Henry T. Godfrey, were 
drowned while bathing in Hawks' pond, below the Reservoir, July 
19, 1864. 

H. Wright Williams, a young man of much promise, son of Hinck- 
ley, a member of the Junior class of Amherst College, was killed by 
the kick of a horse, August 25, 1S64. 

A Mr. Eddy, in the employ of C. C. Dressei", was killed in a simi- 
lar manner several years before. 

Philip Willcutt was killed June 19, 1845, by the falling of a tree. 

Ezra Carpenter died May 10, 1863, in consequence of a fall from 
a hayloft. 

Frederick Parsons, son of Theodore, while temporarily residing in 
Williamsburgh, was found dead in the barn, where, after feeding his 
horse, he had fallen into a deep manger in such a manner that he 
could not extricate himself. 



HISTORY OP GOSHEN. 119 

The "Burying-ground" originally consisted of about two acres of 
land, set off from the northern extremity of Lemuel Lyon's farm; at 
what time is unknown. The first person that was buried here was 
named Nelson. The earliest death recorded upon any monument, 
is that of the first wife of Joshua Abell, Aug. 29, 1774. Li 1776 no 
deaths appear to have occurred. William White lost three cluldren 
by the black canker in 178S, in five days, and another within the 
month. 

In 1S15, a fever of fatal type prevailed and numbers fell victims 
to it. 

In 1S24, another malignant fever desolated many families. The 
victims chiefly resided upon tiie west side of the street passing 
through the center of the town, while every family upon the east side 
escaped, without a case of sickness. 

In iSo3-4-'3i-'44-'52, the scarlet fever repeated its visits and its 
work of destruction among the voung. 

In 1794 the town was visited, as it previously had been by the 
small-pox, and Abigail, daughter of William Hallock, and wife of 
Rev. Mr. Chapin, was its first victim. It was soon checked, but it 
again appeared in 1797, to such an extent that the schools were 
closed to prevent its spreading. A committee of the town were ap- 
pointed to adopt precautionary measures, and the house of Justin 
Parsons, which had been used for the same purpose in 1777, and 
that of Kbenezer Putney, were devoted to the use of those who were 
inoculated with the disease. About one hundred and thirtv persons 
were inoculated and sent to these houses, till the artificial disease 
should run its course, and render them proof against the attack of the 
disease in its "natural way." These persons were kept on a diet of 
bread and molasses, to tiie entire exclusion of all salt and meats, 
whicii are said to aggravate the disease to a fatal degree. Tiiese per- 
sons appear to have had a pretty good time on the whole, and re- 
sorted to various amusements to break up the monotony of their re- 
tired life, as they w'ere allowed no communication with the outer 
world, except through tlic committee who had charge of Ihem. In 
the house of Justin Parsons they " pitched coppers " so much upon a 
portion of the fioor of one of the rooms, as to wear it nearly through, 
which may be seen to this day. 

The first white slab erected in tiie cemetery was in 1804, over the 
grave of Alvan Stone. Those previous to this date, and many after, 



120 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

were mica slate. 'J'he most costly slab of marble is the monument of 
Capt Thos. Weeks, who did in 1817. The first monumental shaft 
erected was to Frederick P. Stone, in 1841. Since that tistie several 
have been added. 

Seven clergymen, Rev. Samuel Whitman, Elder Isaac Child, Abel 
Farley, Frederick W. Burgess, Rev. Wm. Willcut, Rev. T. H. Rood 
and Rev. Townsend Walker, rest here; also four physicians, Benja- 
min Burgess, Ellis Coney, George M. Burgess, Daniel Pierce ; and 
si.K magistrates, William White, Oliver Taylor, John Williams, Timo- 
thy Lyman, Benj. White, Luther Stone. 

. Near the center of the cemetery, with no monument to mark the 
spot, are the remains of Sarah, a. daughter of the renowned President 
Edwards of Northampton, and wife of Elihu P.irsons of Stockbridge. 
Her son, Elihu Parsons, at whose side she is bui-ied, removed here 
and brought her to reside with him, which she did till her death, 
which occurred May 5, 1805, at the age of 76. Dea. Stephen Par- 
sons, son of Elihu, Jr., was her grandson. His daughter, Eunice, 
was the first wife of Freeman Sears of this town. 

The wife of Elihu Parsons, Jr., Rhoda Hinsdale, who is buried at 
his side, was the first English child born in Lenox, Berkshire Co. 

The names of those serving as sextons, still recollected, areThomas 
Lyman, Jvichard Beebe^ Hollan Hubbard, Henry T. Godfrey, and 
Augustus Manning, now acting in that capacity. Mr. Hubbard 
officiated in that capacity for a period of more than thirty years, 
assisting at the burial of more than two-thirds as many persons as 
were living in the town at the close of his term. 

Near the extreme eastern part of the town, on the old road to Wil- 
liamsburgh, is another burying ground, used in the early history of 
the town, where a considerable number of persons was buried. 

The town has been quite free from fires — an encouraging feature 
to interested insurance companies. One of the first buildings burned 
was the house of Ehenezer Putney, said to have taken from a candle 
coming in contact with newly dressed flax. 

Oliver Taylor lost, March 6, 1796, a barn and shop by fire, sup- 
posed to be the work of an incendiary. 

A barn of Capt. James was burnt — cause unknown. 

A barn belonging to Dr. Burgess was burned January 30, 1S02. 
A boy living wiih him, named Gideon Clary, was the incendiary, and 
was sentenced to jail for five years. He conducted himself so well, 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 121 

that by advice, the jailor left open his cell door that he might escape. 
He went off, but voluntarily returned to his prison quarters. 
Phinehas Manning's house was i)urnt about 1804. 
Cyrus Lyon's house was burnt about 18 12. 

The mill of John Williams, 2d, below the Reservoir, was destroyed 
by fire. 

The barn of Arvin Nash was struck by lightning, and consumed, 
July 25, 1841. 

'I'he house and barn of Dea. Town were destroyed in the same 
manner in July, 1848. 

The buildings on the Greenwood Brown farm, were burnt May 16, 
1840, set fire by children, in the absence of their parents. 

The Silas Burgess house, about 1841; L. Stone's mills, March, 
1846; Peregrine White's house and barn, on tlie Benjamin Tilton 
place, March 4, 1850; Ralph Utley's barn, March ] 6, 185 i; C. C. 
Dresser's mill, March 12, 1S61 ; J. Hawks' hotel, Oct. 31, 1867. 

In 1854, there were fourteen persons in town above the age of 80 
years, and three of this number were above 90. Their names and 
ages were as follows : — 

Mr. Jared Hawks, aged 

Mrs. Deborah Williams, " 

Mr. Gershom Bates, " 

Mrs. Malachi James, '^ 

Mr. Reuben Smith, " 

Mrs. Anna Williams, '' 

Capt. John Grant, " 

Mrs. Abner Damon, " 

Mr. George Pierce, " 

Mrs. Geo. Pierce, " 

Mrs. Shepherd Moore, " 

Mrs. Phineas Manning, " 

Mr. Cyrus Stearns, " 

Mis. John Williams, " 

Pamela, daughter of Elihu Hubbard, wife of Dryden Dawes, 
recently of this town, was born the first day of the week, month and 
year. She was the first child of her parents, the fiist grandchild of 
her grandparents, and the first great-giandchild of her great grand- 
parents. 



80 


years. 


80 




80 




82 




82 




83 




83 




85 




85 




85 




86 




90 




90 




92 





122 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

The first Atlantic Telegraph Cable was laid in the summer of 
of 1858. The attempt of the year previous failed by the breaking of 
the cable when only 300 miles had been laid. The announcement, 
August 16, of the messages between the Queen of England and 
President of the United States, was an occasion of universal rejoic- 
ing throughout the country. The ladies of the Congregational Soci- 
ety in Goshen had arranged for a festival on the iStli of August, for 
the purpose of raising funds for tlie repair of their church. Dr. Lewis 
S. Hopkins and family, with several other Northampton people, 
mostly ladies, were spending the summer season at Major Hawks's 
hotel, who entered heartily into the work, and did much towards 
making it a success. Rev. T. H. Rood delivered an address in the 
church, entitled "An Englishman's Opinion of the People of Amer- 
ica." It was of genial humor and wit, and greatly delighted the 
audience. Original pieces were sung by the choir, one verse of 
which will give the general sentiment : 

O let our banners wave, 
For Albion's nation brave 

And country dear, 
Wave o'er Columbia's shield 
With Freedom's signet sealed. 
For Franklin, Morsk and Field, 

With long, loud cheer. 

The town hall, decorated in evergreens and garlands, contained a 
large variety of articles usually found in ladies' fairs, together with 
tea, coffee, cake and ice-creams. 

The dinner tables were set under a large tree on the Common, 
where an excellent collation was served to the people of the town 
and to a large number of guests from abroad. After the repast, 
came toasts and speeches. 

The first toast, — "The ladies of Goshen," was responded to by S. 
E. Bridgman, Esq., of Northampton, who read the following iuunor- 
ous "Appeal for the Church," written by one of the lady visitants: 

" See the plaster falling, falling, 

Dry and scattered to the ground, 
To the sons of Goshen calling 

With a sad and solemn sound. 
Bring the mortar ! bring it quick ! 
Bring the trowel ! lay it thick ! 



irrsTOllY OF GOSHEN. 123 

See tlie shingles, shrinking, slirinking, 

Till the rain-drops trickle through; 
Setting every one to thinking 

What a heavy shower might do. 
Bring new shingles ! bring them quick ! 
]5ring the hammer ! nail them thick ! 
***** 

See thepain(, a-going, agoing. 

Like tlie fading light of daj-. 
Unto all beholders showing 

How earth's pleasures pass away. 
Bring the paint-pot ! bring it quick! 
Lay it on and lay it thick ! 

Israel's sons, so Moses taught us, 

Took tlie jewels, rich and rare, 
From old Goshen's daughters, 

For the tabernacle fair ; 
But free gifts we ask of you; 
Show what willing hearts can do. 

The second toast — Our expected guests, the Pastors \ like good 
shepherds they have sent their flocks out upon the hills. May the 
flocks be abundantly fed that they may return to their folds with 
rejoicing. 

Samuel Wells, Esq., of Northampton, responded by reading a letter 
from his pastor, Rev. Gordon Hall, filled with pertinent thoughts 
and expressing regrets for his absence. 

The following were some of the other toasts given : 

The Atlaniic Telegraph : a line of enterprise presenting an unparal- 
lelled Field oi exertion. 

The Atlantic Cable: a modern railway for the transmission of 
thought. 

The Magnetic Telegraph : The Press and Express united. It does 
its own printing and carries its own mail. 

The Atlantic Cable : A happy conceit got up by sonnebody to illus- 
trate (he case of the Siamese Twins. Merrv England and Youne 
America will doubtless enjoy the conceit immensely. 

Landlord Joseph Hawks : As in the land of ancient Goshen there 
was a Joseph who fed the hungry strangers from distant lands, and 
who supplied the needy nearer home, so this modern Goshen boasts 
a Joseph who feeds the weary traveller and refreshes all who call. 



124 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 



May a long line of carriaoes hereafter invade the modern Goshen, 
and continue, for many years to come, to seek his home, alti acted by 
his fame, his forethought and his iiospitable name ; may posterity 
revere that name, and continue to treasure his bones to the hitest 
generation. 

Editor Gere of Northampton was expected, but it was said that 
owing to his necessary absence his eloquent reply to the following 
toast was lost : 



A paradox, it now tnay seem, 
But in the best devised scheme, 
Complete success cannot appear, 
Till we get somethiug o\U of Gere. 

This brief sketch of the festival-celebration may serve to show the 
interest felt in that great work of modern times, — the Atlantic Cable. 
The electric conditions of this cable were faulty, and, nfter trans- 
mitting a few hundred messages, entirely censed to operate. Every 
failure is said to be a step towards success, and so it proved in regard 
to the cable. Experiments continued and finally were crowned with 
complete success in 1866. 



May -23, 17S1, 

Man-li 4, 178J, 

" 10, 178:5, 



" 15, 1784, 

7, 178.'), 

«, 178G, 

" 1-2, 1787, 

3, 1788, 

■2, 1789, 

" 1, 1790, 

" 14, 1791, 

" .5, 179-2, 

April 1, 1793. 

" 7, 1794, 

MVli 1(5, 1795, 

" 14, 1796, 

April 3, 1797, 

M'cU "), 1798, 



List of Town Officers — Supplementary. 



Moderator. Treasurer. 

J. Slierwin, l^sq., Joshua Aljell, 
John James, Thos. Brown, 

Ohver Taylor, Thos. Ei-own, 



Collector: 



O. Taylor, 
O. Taylor, 
B. Burgess, 
O. Taylor, 
O. Taylor, 
O. Taylor, 
O. Taylor, 
Barzil'i Banister, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Oliver Taylor, 
lleuben Dresser, 
OUver Taylor, 
Ohver Taylor, 
Justin I'arsons, 
Justin Parsons, 



Benj. Burgess, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Benj. Burgess, 
Win. Wliite, 
Wni. AVhite, 
Wm. White, 
Thos. Brown, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 



Oliver Taylor, 
Ebeu Parsons, 



.4.(lam Beals, 
Justin Parsons, 
Adam Beals, 
Eben'r Parsons, 
Solomon Parsons 
Solomon Parsons 
Lt. John Rogers, 
S. Parsons, 
Ehen. Parsons, 
Malachi James, 
S. Parsons, 



Constables. 

\ Thos. Brown, 
I Eben'r Parsons. 
\ 15. Banister. 
'( Nehemiah May, 
\ Edward Oreutt. 
/ Artemas Stone, 
i CJyrus Lyon. 
'( VVm. Damon. 
j S;in)'l Grimes, 
/ Earn. White. 

Reuhen Loomis. 

Oliver Taylor. 

Oliver Taylor. 

Lem'l Banister. 

Eben'r Parsons. 

Adam Beals, 

Justin Parsons. 

-Vdam Beals. 

Eben. Parsons. 
,S. Pai-sons. 
,S. Parsons. 

Lieut. J. Rogers. 

S. Parsons. 

Eben. Parsons. 

M. .James. 

S. Parsons. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 



125 









Modvnttor. 


IMVli 


11. 


17!tll, 




" 


10, 


1800, 


Justin I'arsoiis, 


" 


il, 


1801, 


S. ParsoiLS, 


" 


1;-), 


1802, 


.S. Parsons, 




7^ 


1808, 


Justin Parsons, 


" 


li), 


1S04, 


<). Tavlor, 


" 


4, 


180.-), 


<). Taylor. 


" 


3, 


180B, 


,S. Parsons. 


" 


2, 


1807, 


S. Parsons. 


'• 


7, 


1808, 


S. Parsons, 


" 


6, 


1809, 


Dea. J. Parsons, 


" 


12. 


1810, 


Xehemiah May, 


" 


4, 


1811, 


Oliver Taylor, 


" 


!l, 


1812, 


Oliver Taylor, 


" 


15, 


1813, 


Major A. Stone, 


April 


1 4, 


1814. 


Major A- Stone, 


" 


3, 


ISlfy, 


Oliver Taylor, 


M'ch 


11, 


181G, 


Ambrose Stone, 


« 


3, 


1817, 


Ambrose Stone, 


" 


7, 


1818, 


Ambrose Stone, 


" 


8, 


181!), 


John (irant, 


" 


(>, 


1820, 


Major A. Stone, 


" 


''>, 


lS-21. 


Major A. Stone, 


" 


4, 


1822, 


Major A. Stone, 


" 


3, 


1823. 


Col. T. Lyman, 


" 


H, 


1824, 


Col. T. Lyman, 


" 


7^ 


182.">, 


Col. T. Lyman, 


" 


(i. 


182(1, 


Benj. White, 


" 


1-i, 


1827. 


Col. Lyman, 


" 


10, 


1828, 


Col. Lyman, 


" 


2, 


1829, 


Col. Lyman, 


" 


1, 


1830, 


Col. Lyman, 


" 


7, 


1831, 


Col. Lyman, 


" 


5, 


1832, 


John Grant, 


" 


n, 


1833, 


H. Williams. 


" 


3, 


1834, 


Col. L. Stone, 


" 


■2 


1 «{.■), 


E. Putney, 


" 


7, 


ia3(i, 


A.sahel Killin!,'s, 


" 


<>, 


1837. 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


0. 


18;}8, 


Col. L. Stone, 


" 


4, 


18.39, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


23, 


1840, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


1, 


1841, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


7^ 


1842. 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


13, 


IS4:!. 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


11. 


18.14, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


3, 


184.'., 


Fred W. Lynum, 


" 


2, 


181ii, 


A. St me, .Jr., 


" 


1, 


1.847, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


'!, 


1848, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


•">. 


1840, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


4, 


18.50, 


Frank Nar.imore, 


" 


3, 


18.51, 


Frank Naramore, 


" 


], 


18.52, 


11. r.arrus, 



Treasurer. 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Wm. White, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Oliver Taylor, 
Dr. Kllis Coney, 
Dr. FUis Coney, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
John C. Lyman, 
.John C. Lyman. 

Jolin Williams, 
John Williams, 
J. Williams, 2(1., 
Reuben Dresser, 
Keuben Dresser, 
Reuben Dresser, 
Reuben Dresser, 
Reuben Dresser, 
Reuben Dresser, 
Reuben Dresser, 
M. James, 
\\. Dresser, 
Thos. P.rown, 
Stephen V.Tilton, 
H. Williams, 
H. Williams, 
IL Williams, 
Daniel Williams, 

E. Putney, 
J. K. Cathearl, 
Daniel Hall, 
Joseph Hawks, 

F. P. Stone, 
Ezra Bi-ackett, 
>L James, 
E. Braekett, 
E. Bracket!, 
(ieo. Dresser, 
K. A. Carpenter, 
E. Biiilicnian. 
Elijah Billinjis, 
Hiram Barrus, 
IL Barrus, 
Forace Jepson, 
!•;. Billin;,'s, 
E. Bracki'tt, 



Collector. 
M. James, 
M. James, 
Eben Parsons, 
Thos, Brown, 
S. Parsons, 
S. Parsons, 
S. Parsons, 
Capt. M. James, 
S. Parsons, 
M. James, 
Eben. Parsons, 
M. James, 
M. James, 
S. Parsons, 
M. James, 
M. James, 
EliasAVhitc. 
Klias White. 

Asahel Billings, 
M. James, 
Theo. Parsons, 
Theo. Parsons, 
Elias White, 
Ellas White, 
Elias White, 
Reuben Dresser 
Reuben Dresser, 
Reuben Dresser, 
M. James, 
Reuben Dresser, 
Tlios. Brown, 
S. W. Tilton, 
H. Williams, 
H. Williams, 
H. Williams. 
H. Williams, 

E. Putney, 

J. E. Cathcart, 

D. Hall, 
J. Hawks, 

F. P. Stone, 

E. Brackett, 
M. James, 
E. Brackett, 
E. Brackett, 
Geo. Dresser, 

K. .V. Carpenter, 
1'^ Briilj^man, 

E. Billings, 
II. Barrus, 
H. Barrus, 

F. Jepson, 
E. Billings, 
E. Brackett, 



Constuhle. 
M. James. 
M. James. 
M. Jame.s, 
J\L James. 
M. James, 
M. .Tames. 
M. James. 
M. James. 
M. .Tames. 
M. James. 
Eben Parsons. 
M. James. 
;M. James. 
S. Parsons. 
M. James. 
M. .Tames. 
E. White. 
E. White. 
A. Billings. 
A. Billings. 
M. James. 
Theo. Parsons. 
Theo. Parsons. 
Elias White. 
Elias White. 
Elias White. 
Willard Pai-sons. 
Willard Parsons. 
Willanl Parsons. 
Theo. Parsons. 
Luther James. 
Thos. Brown. 
Luther James. 
Emmons Putney. 
E. Putney. 

E. Putney. 

F. P. Stone. 
F. P. St«mc. 
F. P. Stone. 

E. W. Towii. 

F. P. Stone. 
F. P. Stone. 
E. Brackett. 
Tlieo. Parsons. 
Theo. Parsons. 
Theo. Parsons. 
K. Bridgman. 
K. A. Carpenter. 
E. A. Carpenter. 
Daniel Williams. 
H. Barrus . 

E. Billings. 
E. Billings. 
E. Billings. 
H. Barrus. 



126 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 



M'ch 7, 


1853, 


" 6, 


1854, 


5, 


1855, 


3, 


1856, 


" 2 


1857, 


" 1, 


1858, 


" 7) 


1859, 


" •'> 


1860, 


4, 


1861, 


3, 


1862, 


" 2, 


1863, 


" ") 


1864, 


" 6, 


1865, 


" 5( 


1866, 


4, 


1867, 


2, 


1868, 


1 


1869, 


" 7, 


1870, 


" 6, 


1871, 


4, 


1872, 


" 3, 


1873, 


2, 


1874, 


1, 


1875, 


" 6, 


1876, 


5, 


1877, 


4, 


1878, 


3, 


1879, 


" 1, 


1880, 



Moderator. 
Frank Naramoi-c, 
Frank Xaramore, 
H. Barrus, 
H. Barrus, 
E. Putney, 
Hiram Barrus, 
Hiram Barrus, 
Hiram Barrus, 
Hiram Barrus, 
Hiram Barrus, 
Hiram Barrus, 
Elijah Billings, 
E. Billings, 
E. Billings, 
(ieorge Dresser, 
Freeman Sears, 
George Dresser, 
Alvan Barrus, 
Alvan Barrus, 
Alvan Barrus, 
T. P. Lyman, 
Caleb C. Dresser, 
C. C. Dresser, 
Freeman Sears, 
Alvan Barrus, 
Alvan Barrus, 
(ieorge Dresser, 
(.ieorge Dresser, 



Treasurer. 
Abner Pynclion, 
S. (iage, 
E. Billings, 
E. Brackett, 
E. Carpentir, 
Henry Tillton, 
Henry Tillton, 
Henry Tillton, 
T. P. Lyman, 
Henry Tillton, 
Henry Tillton, 
Joshua Knowlton , 
Joshua KnoMiton, 
Joshua Knowlton, 
Daniel Williams, 
C. A. Packard, 
John H. (iodfrey, 
C. A. Packard, 
Hiram Packard, • 
Hiram Packard, 
Hiram Packard, 
Hiram Packard, 
Hiram Packard, 
Hiram Packard, 
J. H. (iodfrey, 
J. H. Godfrey, 
J. H. Godfrey, 
Marlon Damon, 



Collector. 
A. Pynclion, 
S. Gage, 
E. Billings, 
E. Billings, 
E. Carpenter, 
Henry Tillton, 
Henny Tillton, 
Henry Tillton, 
T. P. Lyman, 

Henry Tillton, 



Hiram Packard, 
J.H.Godfrey, 
J. H. Godfrey, 
J. H. Godfrey, 
Marlon Damon, 



Constable. 
Sanford Gage. 
S. Gage. 
E. Billings. 
E. Billings. 
C. C. Dresser. 
John M. Smith. 
Alvan Barrus. 
Francis Jepson. 
H. L. Xaramore. 
Francis Jepson. 
Josiah Miller. 
E. Billings. 
E. Billings. 
Daniel Williams. 
Daniel Williams. 
C. A. Packard. 
John H. Godfrey. 
Daniel Williams. 
Lorin Barrus. 
Lorin Barrus. 
Ralph E. .Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 
R. E. Smith. 



Xo Collector chosen for 12 years. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 127 



CHAPTER X. 

The leading character of American hislory is generally known as 
"Old Times," and it may not be out of place to give a condensed 
sketch of him. He seems to have been a sort of ubiquitous person- 
age, not fixed to one locality, universally known, said to be old-fash- 
ioned, somewliat whimsical, a believer in signs and wonders, a maker 
of "Blue Laws," an executioner of witches ; yet he is remembered as 
a lover of good order, a founder of schools and colleges, a benefac- 
tor of his country and his race. He had great faith in himself, and 
many was the proverb he coined and used to inspire himself with 
power to act as occasion required. Was he inclined to carelessness, 
he remembered that "willful waste makes woful want;" did he meet 
with obstacles, "where there's a will there's a way'' helped him over 
them ; discouraged, he fell back upon the lines: — 

"Never despair; the darkest dav, 

Live till to-morrow, will have passed away." 

If selfishness became clamorous, he offered the couplet: 

"With frugal care save what you can 
To bless yourneedy fellow man." 

Old Tir!ies was a hard working old fellow. He spent more hours 
in his field than the sun shone upon them. He had a heavy forest to 
fell, and clear off the grounds before he could plant ins first hill of 
corn. The log-house must be built, and it was far from being a pal- 
ace. The stars could be counted through the openings between the 
joints. His infant boy was cradled in a hollow half-log — the conca- 
vity holding the infant, the convexity serving for "rockers." As 
families increased, wooden stools and blocks of wood served for 
ciinirs. The table was unacquainted with the "spread," or a substi- 
tute. Tile plate, the tray, the bowls, the spoons, were all of wood. 
A "boiled d.inner" of beef, pork, cabbage, potatoes and beans, was 



128 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

the staff of life for every day. What was left of the dinner was con- 
verted into bean porridge for supper, and care was taken to have am- 
ple allowance of the same, that there might be enough for breakfast. 
The first one rising in the morning hung the old iron pot containing 
the food upon the stout crane, swung over the roaring log fire, and 
in a short lime the porridge was heated, and the breakfast was ready 
for the f.imily. The luxury was so universal that its merits were im- 
mortalized in the old couplet: — 

"Bean porridge hot, bean porridge cold, 
Bean porridge best, nine days old." 
Hasty-pudding was twin-biother to this popular dish, and the two 
walked hand in hand, doing good service for many a long year. As 
Old Times increased his means, he exhibited some of the traits of 
his more favored, descendant, Young America, and increased his 
luxuries. The wooden furniture of his table was exchanged for dishes 
of pewter. Then were those old fashioned cupboards invented, that 
without doors or screens were permanent fixtures in the corner of the 
"best room," where the pewter dishes, scoured up to their brightest 
polish, exhibited the good fortune and the labored neatness of the 
proud housewife. Some of those old-fashioned pewter platters* 
which did service for several generations of grandparents and parents, 
are handed down to the present, as heirlooms in many a family. 
After the pewter came the earthern ware, the substantial giving way 
to the ornamental. The old log-house is disappearing, too. Old 
Times thinks he can afford something better than he has been ac- 
customed to. He builds a one-story house, like his neighbor's, 28 by 
40, a front entry, an "east room" on one side of it, a "west room" on 
the other, a kitchen on the back side, connected with the pantry and 
entry on one end, and two bed rooms on the other. In the center 
of the whole is an immense chimney — wood is a nuisance, to be got 
rid of as fast as possible — a fire place, ten or twelve feet long, with a 
deep oven at the back side, follows as a necessity. If such a length 
of fireplace is not needed for consuming wood, a portion of it will 
be a convenient asylum, where the cliildren can retreat in the long 
winter evenings, and amuse themselves by watching the ever-varying 
flames of the cheerful fire, or raise their eyes and gaze upon the stars, 
that meet their vision through the ample cliimney above them. The 
more studious, with book in hand, may, by improving the abundant 
light and the passing hours, become the sage of a future day. The 



HISTORY or GOSHEN. 129 

world hardly knows how much it is indebted to those old-fashioned 
fire-places for "thoughts that breathe and words that burn " 

Old 'J'imes had the good sense to get hini a wife that was a help 
fit for him. Her girlhood was spent in usefulness. She helped her 
mother in her labors for the famil)^, or even her father in the lighter 
work of the fields. When she was married and had a house, she 
knew how to keep it. She could spin and weave, as well as sew and 
knit. While slie performed her part in the labors of life, she knew 
how to enjoy its pleasures. She was social. Many was the time of 
a pleasant afternoon when she met the maidens and matrons of her 
neighborhood, and with cards and wool, they passed the flying hours 
in preparation for thew autumnal spinning. This was her work 
— "two run a day of filling, or a run and a half of warp," was the 
limit of the day's labor. When the yarn was scou*'ed and submitted 
for a proper lime to the coloring process then it must be woven ; when 
woven it must be sent to the clothiers to be "fulled and dressed and 
pressed ;" and then comes the cuttingand making of winter garments, 
and all hands are fully engaged. But the occasions for a "good 
time" for both sexes, occur even among all this pressure of labor. 
There are husking parties, and weddings and trainings and musters 
and raisings, and once or twice during an age, there is an ordination, 
at which all the younger population, for many miles around, do not 
fail to be present. There was another social occasion that 
eclipsed all others. It was "old-fashioned election day" — the last 
Wednesday in May. The women and the men had equal interest in 
it. After the clotiiing for the winter had all been made, the women 
then entered upon the labor of preparing lineu cloth for the summer 
clothing. 

The early winter labor of Old Times himself was to break his fla.x, 
swingle and hatchel, and twist it up in neat bunches of a pound or so 
in weight, which the good wives and daughters transferred to the dis- 
taff, and transmuted to thread, marvelous for its strength and fine- 
ness, and for its even attenuation. Tliis was then to be woven into 
cloth for the suminer wear of the family, for cotton was almost un- 
known at that time. The coarser part of the flax, known as tow, 
made strong cloth, for the out-door service of the men. When the 
linen cloth of the nicer qualities was woven, it was submitted to the 
process or bleaching by exposure to the sun and storms. Every 
thrifty housewife was expected to have all this work done before the 



130 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

aforesaid election day. This was to be a day of rest from the great 
labor of the previous .season. No nf-;w labor was to be entered upon 
on this day. It was a day that stood between ivvo eras, the women's 
great iioliday of the year. 

Old Times never forgot that he had an interest in this day. It 
was the day for the meeting of the "Great and General Court" and 
for the inauguration of the new Governor, a day that was universally 
appropriated to militia trainings, and social gatherings, and in short, 
it was the gieat holiday of the year, for all classes. Old Times was 
careful to have his corn and his potatoes planted, his fields of rye, 
wheat and oats all sown, that he too might be duly entitled to his 
share of the pleasures of the day. One thing in the way of planting 
only remained to be done. It was deemed appropriate that the morn- 
ing hour of the day should be spent by every farmer's boy, in plant- 
ing his two quarts of white beans — the finishing touch to the work of 
planting for that season. The boys expected it and did it, but to 
many a boy it seemed as if those two quarts of beans held out like 
the widow's oil, and to many a farmer, when the beans came up, it 
seemed as if every bean sent up a marvelous number of plants. But 
the two quarts of beans disposed of, the boys' holiday commenced. 
There were gatherings of boys at the corners of the streets, and upon 
the common ; there were parlies for fishing excursions, and rambling 
excursions, and there was a training wliere every boy in town was 
sure at last to be found, and was equally sure to invest his "four pence 
ha' penny" or n.ine pence in baker's gingerbread from some peddler's 
cart, to be eaten to satisfy his own hunger, and the remainder to be 
carried home to regale the appetites of those who went not to the 
training. Such gingerbread as that is not made now, — it is numbered 
among the "lost arts." 

Old 'I'imes, it is said, never engaged very heartily in the temper- 
ance cause. He has been accused of being, on the contrary, 
somewhat given to his cups. It has Ijeen said that he drank when 
thirsty, when fatigued, wheii cold, when hot, when wet, when in com- 
pany, when alone, when abroad, when at home, when sick, when well. 
This seems rather frequent, and perhaps the statement is a little too 
strong. But it is well known that at every raising, and husking and 
all other similar occasions, it was "plenty of liquor, or no men." The 
farmer who had reduced his haying to the last acre, would send miles 
away, to replenish his decanter, if it was empty, rather than to finish 



HISTORY OF aOSUEN. 131 

his haying witliout his legular drams. If ihe minister visited his 
people at their homes, a fuilure to oiler him .1 ghrss of spirits, would 
have been considered a want of propir respect. When the ministers 
met in council, liquors were deemed as indispensable as food. 

Old Times was a practical, matterof fact man. He abhorred the 
assembling of the young for balls, dances and similar amusements, 
and often was the lime when such occasions had been planned by the 
young men, that he would circumvent them by preventing the atten- 
dance of the young ladies, if he could not otiierwise efifect his pur- 
pose. The lively times that the young enjoyed, and the violin that 
helped lend enchantment to such occasions, weie alike discarded as 
unhallowed inventions of the devil foi the inin of young souls, and 
the use of such tunes with words of a religious character, or a violin 
in the sanctuary to assist the choir, he would have esteemed a hea- 
ven-daring sin. Y't[ he had an appiecialive ear, and was once heard 
to remark tha". "the devil has all the best tunes." 

The "fashions" weie a source of vexation to him, and he attem])t- 
ed to regulate tlu-m hy law. His idea of ihcir origin is illustrated by 
an anecdote. His sou asked him, "Where do the fashions come 
from?'' "Fiom Boston." "W'heie does Boston get ihem ?" "From 
London." "Where does London get tliL-m }'' "From Paris." Where 
does Paris get them?" "From tlie d — I," was the conclusive reply. 
Yet he himself was not above criticism in such matters. His red 
coat, yellow pants, broad knee and siioe buckles, cocked hat, long 
cue of hair hanging down his back, powdered head, and immensely 
ruflfled shirt, would make quite a sensation at the present day, not- 
withstanding he had adopted it as a pattern suit, for a pattern man. 

Lest it should be inferred that Old Tmies was alw.iys rigid, it should 
in justice be said that he did at times so far relax his sternness as ta 
allow the youth to play blind man's bull and similar games that he 
considered innocent. At husking parties when one found a red ear 
of corn, it was deemed proper for him, especiallv if the older people 
were present, to kiss the piettiest girl in the crowd. How much this 
had to do with giving husking parties their popularity, it is not nec- 
essary to decide. Lifeiences are in order. 

Old Times had much of the religious element in iiis character. He 
was a non-conformist in England, served with Cromwell, suffered 
persecutions beyond measure, and at l.ist sought these shores, where 
he might have liberty of conscience and freedom to worship God ac- 



132 HISTOKY OF GOSHElSr. 

coiding to his own interpretation of tiie Bible. Here he founded a 
church, on the true democratic idea, that ali its members were equal 
before God, and had equal right to enjoy pi ivate opinions ; that each 
church should be independent of a! I dictation from others, except by 
way of mere advice, and owed no allegiance to priest, bishop, pope 
or king. Tiie congregation regulated its own affairs, and the church 
took the name "Congregational." Old Times was satisfied. His ef- 
fort was successful. For centuries the bible had not found such 
freedom, and b5ble men had not found such rest. Schools flourished, 
education and religion walked hand in hand, prosperity reigned. 

Old Times was, in short, a man clear through ; "e'en his failings 
leaned to virtue's side." Deducting all these, there was still enougii 
left for a man of large pattern. He was just in his dealings, charit- 
able to the needy, a firm believer in the capacity of man for unlimit- 
ed progress, true to the great principles of human liberty, first to de- 
clare that all men are created free and equal, first to gird on the 
sword in defense of a government whose highest officer should be the 
servant of the humblest individual. To found such a government, he 
fought the battles of Bunker Hill, Monmouth and Yorktown, pouring 
out his blood like water ; enduring trials, practising the most rigid 
self-denials, resigning all the endearments of home, hazarding all in 
the present that the future might be glorious. 

His sufferings, his labors, his example were not in vain. His pos- 
terity have seen the enemy assault the government he bequeathed to 
them ; inspired by his teachings, they too, have shed their blood in 
its defense ; and this day they rejoice under that government as the 
noblest ever founded and the strongest the world ever saw. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 133 



CHAPTER Xr. 
Faniili/ Sl-efchrs. 

Josluia Abell, Srn., came from Rehoboth about 1767. His first 
wife, Elizabeth, died Aug. 29, 1774; his second wife, Rulh,died Aug. 
^9) 1777- 'riie town records gives the following as the cliildien of 
Joshua and Molly, the third wife: Bett\', born Aug. 5, i78i,died 
1782 ; Sarah, born July 14, 1783 ; Joseph, born Nov. 24, 1785 ; Ezra, 
born Nov. 23, 17S8, died 1802 ; Mrs. Molly died Oct. 26, 1802. 

Joshua, Sen., had other sons, Benjamin, Joshua, and Nathaniel, 
probably by one or both of the former wives. Benjamin married 
Persis Banister. Their children were: Benjamin, born Jan. 16, 1781; 
Elizabeth, born May 8, 17S2 ; Banister, born Oct. 14, 1783; Cynthia, 
born June 8, 1785 ; Asa, born June 19, 1787, removed to Swanton, 
Vermont. 

Children of Joshua, Jr. and Dorolhy Abell : William, born Sept. 
15, 1788, married Jerusha Arms ; Anne, Dec. 19, 1790 ; Prudence, 

born Oct. 6, 1792, married Whitney ; George, born Marcii 2, 

1796, married Tryphena Cathcart ; Nancy, born April 13, 1797, mar- 
ried Oliver T. Cathcart ; Calvin, born April 5, 1799 ; Susannah, born 
Feb. 7, 1802, died single ; Mrs. Dorothy died Sept. 3, 1S03. William, 
known as "Captain," removed to Plainfield, New Jersey ; George, 
also "Captain," removed to Conway, where Lewis S., his son, still re- 
sides. His second son, George A. resides in Greenfield. His eldest 
daughter, Caroline P., married Joseph Blake, now of Amherst. 

Children of Nathaniel Abell and Eunice, his wife : Versal, born 
Sept. 23, 17S9 ; Clarissa, born Jumc 3, 1791 ; Polly, born Oct. 15, 
1792 ; Sally, born April 26, 1794; Millie, born March i, 1796 ; Asa- 
hel S., born Sept. 7, 1797: Laisdell, born April 16, 1801 ; Esther, 
born May 27, 1803; Ansel, born April 15, 1^05 ; Austin, born Feb. 



134: HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

27, 1807 ; Nathaniel, bom July 16, 1809. Versal removed to Wil- 
liamsburgh; Asahel S. iiiirl Ansel to Northampton. 

The Amadou family lived in the West district toward Chesterfield. 
Ansel, probably a son of Ebenezer, (No. 24, page 70,) is said to have 
had "a family of seventeen children, all boys but one; all grew up, 
all went to school to Mr. Kmmons Putney, as the latter still delights 
to relate." 

The Banister family, from Bronkfield, was numerous and influen- 
tial. Joseph, one of the fiist members of the church here, may have 
been father of the family. John removed to Conway ; Christopher 
and his wife Abial, members of the church, perhaps died here ; Lem- 
uel removed to Piielps, M. Y. — .1 son, Caleb, became a prominent 
physician there. Mary and Elizabeth Banister, members of the 
church, removed to Conway. Elizabeth united with the church 1784, 
dismissed 1796. Barzillai Banister removed to Framingham. Wil- 
liam, a brother, early removed fiom town. His wife was Mehitable 

. They had a soio Jotham, born Oct. 26, 1781. Rachel, sister 

of Lemuel, married Asa Paitiidge. They were the parents of Kath- 
erine, who married Major Ambrose Stone, and ('alista, who married 
Ebenezer White. Persis, another sister, marrieil Benjamin Abell ; 

a third sister, married ^^'arner of Chesterfield ; a fourth sister, 

married John Burnell of Chesterfield, parents of Rufus and Joseph 
Burnell ; (grandparents of K. A. Burnell, the evangelist and J. S. 
Burnell, the missionary fo (,"ey!on.) The children of Barzillai and 
Deborah Banister are given in the records of the town as follows: 
Irena, born April 17, 1775 > Allerlon, born and died 177S; DoUey, 
born April 30, 17S0 ; Trvphena, born Feb. 23, 1782 ; Sophia, born 
June II, 1784; Deborah, bom June 13, 1786 ; Abigail, born Aug. 7, 
1788 , Lucy, born July 13, 1791. 

// Capt. Elijah Bardwell and family removed to this iown from Bel- 
chertown in 1803. Several members of ihe family have already been 
noticed — pages 55-6-9-60-1. Araunah Bardwell united with the 
church in 1806, became a physician, was dismissed by letter to North 
Carolina in 1824. He died in Mississippi in October, 1838. Selah 
removed to Mirniesota with several of his family about 1856. His 
son, Jeremiah H., resides in Eisthampton and has been postmaster 
there for manv vears. The following is a record of the children of 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

'Capt. Bardvvell and Sarah, his wife: Rhoda, born 177S, niai\ 
Rev. VV. Fisher; Sophia, born 17S0, married Reuben Dresser ; Laura 
born 1782, married Calvin Cusliman ; Araunah, M. D., born 1784; 
Elijali, born 17S6, married Lavina Howes ; Horatio, born 17S8, mar- 
ried Rachel Furbush ; Selali, born 1791, married Clarissa Hosford ; 
Sarah, born 1793, married Rev. J. Richards ; Aurelia, born 1796. 
.married ist, Samuel Naramore, 2d, Benj. White, Esq. 

Thomas Brown (No. 49, page 71,) probably had no children. His 
nephew and namesake, Thomas Brown 2d, son of Daniel and Dor- 
.cas Brown, born Feb. i, 1780, lived with him and succeeded to the 
farm. Thomas 2d, married Zervia, daui^hter of Dr. Beniamin Bur- 
gess. His children were Benjamin F., Calphurna, Levi, Cleora, Car- 
los. The father removed to Cummington, and the surviving children 
reside in the West. Mr. Brown, with the assistance of Elias White, 
nearly sixty years ago, set out the elm trees on the west side of Main 
street, through the village in front of the residences of Mrs, Mary P. 
Webster and Oscar F. Washburn. 

Greenwood Brown, probably not related to Tiiomas, lived adjoin- 
ing (No. g, page 68,) on the North. The farm was afterwards owned 
successively by Daniel Hersey, Rufus K., Jabez H. and John El- 
dredge, and J. D. Shipman. The buildings were burnt in 1840, 
Greenwood Brown, Sen., died 1S25; Greenwood, Jr., 1828. The 
children of Greenwood, Sen., and Susannah his wife, are recorded as 
follows: Susannah, born Mar. 25, 1786, in Goshen ; Greenwood, born 
April 20, 1787, died 1788 ; Harvey, born April 29, 1789 ; Greenwood, 
born Feb. 28. 1791, died 182S ; Cynthia, born May 6, 1793, married 
Asa Petlengill of Cumniington ; Minerva, born April 9, 1795, died 
1819. 

Joseph Blake (No. 72, page 72,) probably born in Boston in 1738, 
was published to Comfort Thayer in Braintree, in 1761, whom he 
married. I'hey probably removed to Goshen about 1766, and set- 
tled in the south-east part of the town, on the original lot, No. 2, 
where they lived for about fifty years. He removed after the death 
of his wife, in 181 i, to Ashfield, and lived, till liis decease in i8is, 
with his son Silas. His children were : Polly, or ALiry, born in 
■Braintree, Aug. 16, 1765, married Elijah Wolcott of Williamsburgh ; 
Jlachel, boru in Goshen, Julv iS, 1767, married Joseph Smith of Hat- 



HISTORY OF aOSHEN. 

.d ; Silas, born Aug. 2, 1771, who married Parnal Beswick of 
Ciiesterfield ; Nancy, born June, 1776, married Abner Bates of Ches- 
terfield ; Eleazer, born March 23, 1778, married Ruth Beals of 
Goshen J Joseph, born Nov. 10, 1783, and Comfort, who died 
young. 

Joseph, the pioneer, wns son of [oseph, who was son of Solomon,, 
who was son of Kdward, who was son of William, the emigrant. 
The family were of Hingham. Rev. Charles M. Blake, Post Chap- 
lain of the U. S. Army, has been engaged in the compilation of the 
genealogy of the Blake Family, which is now continued by Perley 
Derby, Esq., of Salem. The writer is indebted for a portion of these 
facts 10 Silas Blake, Esq., of Ashfield, great-grandson of Joseph, the 
pioneer. 

Dr. Benjamin Burgess resided here about twenty-seven years. 
His father, Benjamin, Sen., was a physician in Dartmouth, Mass.,. 
where he died Sept. 18, 1748, aged forty years, leaving the son an 
orpiian at the nge of eleven ) ears. The father had made extensive 
purchases of land in this vicinity, which the son, after attaining his, 
majority, came up to look after. He was so well p!/iased with its 
location that he decided to make the plnce his future home. He 
left the "Vineyard" at a lime, during the war of the Revolution, when. 
British privateers were cruising upon our coast. Fearing they might 
fall into the hands of the enemy, his wife quilted a tliousand dollars 
in gold into the skirt of her dress, that it might be secure against any 
emergency. The Biitish came in sight and fired upon them severaL 
times, but caused no serious damage. His family have a tradition 
that this thousand dollars purchased a thousand acres of land here; 
The doctor was not only a skillful physician, but was held in high 
esteem as a man. The records of the church speak of him as "a 
substantial christian." He married, Nov. 12, 1772, SusAnnah Man- 
tor of Tisbury. They had seven children, one son and six daugh- 
ters. Silas, the son, born Oct. 20, 1776, married Lucy, daughter of 
Joseph Stone, of Shrewsbury, Dec. 18, 1803. He died Oct. 10, 1830.. 
Susan, the oldest daughter of Dr. Burgess, married John C. Lyman 
and removed to Cummington ; Mercy, the second daughter, marriedi 
Mitchell Dawes of Cummington, — the parents of the distinguished! 
Senator from this state, Hon. Henry L. Dawes; Zerviah, the third 
daughter, married Thomas Brown, — parents of Rev. Benj. F. Jiiown ;. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 137 

Jane died single ; Mary married first, Isaac Williams, second, Stephen 
Whitney of Deerfield, — parents of Gen. James S. Whitney, a promi- 
nent business man and politician, and a former Collector of the Port 
of Boston ; Sarali, tlie youngest daughter, married Setii Williams, 
merchant and manufacturer, of Cummington. 

The children of Silas Burgess and Lucy his wife were : Maria, 
born Jan. 8, iSo6, for several years a noted teacher of penmansliip^ 
married Josiah Barber, Sept. 2, 1852, resides in Worcester ; Benja- 
min F., born Juiy 5, 1808 ; married Sarah B. Francis, April 15, 1832, 
removed to Boston when a young man and commenced business 
which is still continued by hi,m and his son, Benjamin F., Jr. ; Rev. 
Frederick W. Burgess, born Jan. 25, 181 1, and Kev. Joseph S., born 
Aug. 15, 1813 (see page 57); George M., born Aug. 18, 1816, was 
prominent as a teacher here, and for some years also in New Jersey. 
He studied medicine, and had a large practice in Blackstone, Mass. 
He died in the midst of his usefulness, March 5, 1859. His remains 
were brought to this town for burial. Sarah, born July 21, i8ig, , 
married Nathan F. Orcutt, Esq., of Cummington ; Lucy L., born Oct. 
II, 1822, married first, E. H. Porter, March i, 1845, second, L. H. 
Grandgent, Dec. 28, 1854, a teacher in Boston ; Silas A., married 
Evelina E. Jones, Aug. 14, 1855. He is a lawyer, resided for several 
years in Blackstone, and is now of Worcester. 

The Burgess family in this country descend from Thomas, the pil- 
grim, who came to Salem about 1630, and after two or three 
removals settled in Sandwich, where he at length died, leaving an 
estate which a few years since was still in the family. His son Jacob 
married Mary Nye; their second son, Ebenezer, born 1673, married 
Mercy Lombard ; the fourtii son of Ebenezer and Mercy, Benj imin, 
born 1708, married Mercy — ^, and they were the parents of Dr. 
Benjamin of Goshen, a distant relative of Hon. Tristam Burgess of 
Rhode Island. 

Rev. Dr. Burgess, in his genealogy of tlie Burgess Family, says : 
"The origin of the name of Burgess will not admit of controversy. 
It is a title, civil or official. The inhabitant or representative of a 
Burgh or Borough is a Burgess. In England the name is well pre- 
served, but in this country it has been corrupted into Burghess, 
Burges, Burgis, Borgis, Burge, Burg." 

Asahel Billings, born 1786, removed here from Belchertown in 
1807. His great grandfather, Benjamin Billings, was one of the first 



138 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

settlers of Hatfield. Benjamin's son Joseph had a Joseph Jr., who 
was the father of Asahel. Asahel had five bi others and two sisters; 
all younger than himself. Elijah, his biother, came here in i8i6 
and served as apprentice to Asahel, who was a blacksmith, remain- 
ing till 1822. The wife of Asahel was Violet Bardwell — not of 
Elijah Bardw ell's famil3\ They had one son who died youiig. 
Asahel was a model man, in whom every one had confidence, and 
was often called to serve in positions of responsibility. Elijah, his 
brother, removed here again about 1839, ^''"^1 remained till his decease 
in 1880. He was often called to serve his townsmen in various 
official positions. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Reuben Smith. 
'J'heir children were : Frederick S., who married Sophia Stone ; 
Edwin ; Sophia, who married Frederick P. Hunt ; and Charles, who 
died a young man. 

Levi Barrus was a resident of Goshen for nearly sixty years, He 
was born in Charlemont, near the Deerfield river, March 10, 1795. 
His family resided for nine years on the farm of his grandfather, Jo- 
seph Cressey, afterwards owned by Joab Willis. They removed in 
1812 to Windsor, and thence to Goshen, where they spent the winter 
of 1812-13, removing in the spring of 1813 to "Cape street," Ashfield. 
In ]8i4 they again removed to the southwest part of Ashfield and 
bought a small farm of Ebenezer Putney and other land where 
the father resided till his decease, October 10, 1826. Up to the date 
of the purchase of this place and for some time later, he and his fam- 
ily spelt their name Barrows. It is said that he was informed by a 
distant branch of the family, who spelt his name Barms, that the lat- 
ter was the true spelling. Having been left an orphan at an early age, 
with no near relative except a sister, h.e accepted the statement and 
adopted the incorrect spelling, which is followed by his descendants 
to this day, subjecting them to an occasional hint that they "don't 
know how to spell." 

The Pilgrim ancestor of the Barrows families in this country v.'as 
John Barrowe from Yarmouth in England, who came to Salem in 
1637, ^^ 'he age of 28 years, with his wife Anne. He received two 
grants of land in Salem in 1637. 

In 1665 his name appears in the Plymouth records, in which town 
he resided from that time, and perhaps earlier till his death in 1692. 
His will shows that he left a second wife much younger than himself, 



HISTOEY or GOSHEN. 139 

v^ 
and four sons ; Bohert, who married Ruth, daughter of Geo. Bonum, 

Nov. 28, 1666; Joshua, Ebcnczer, Benajali; and two daughters, 

Mary and Deborah. Bobert remained in Plymouth and had by Rulh, 

his first wife : John, born 1667, died in Plympton 1720 ; George, 

born 1670, died in Plympton 1758 ; Samuel, born 1672, died in Mid- 

dleboro 1755 ; Mehitable, who married Adam Wright. 

Robert married 2d, Lydia Dunham, and had Robert, born 1689," 
died in Mansfield, Conn., 1779 ; Thankful, born 1692, married Isaac 
King; Elisha, born 1695, died in Rochester, Mass., 1767; Thomas, 
born 1697, died in Mansfield; Lydia, born 1699' married Thomas 
Branch. 

George, born 1670, called "Captain George" for his success in 
treating with the Indians, had a large family and was an extensive 
land holder. His son Peleg received the homestead now in Carver, 
which is still in possession of his descendants. Joseph, son of Peleg, 
removed to Maine, and was the aRcestor of Judge Wm. G. Barrows, 
and Hon. George B. Barrows, formerly President of the Maine Sen- 
ate ; and also of Rev. Charles D. Barrows of Lowell. Peleg Jr., was 
ancestor of Arad Barrows, Esq., of Philadelphia, a prominent business 
man. 

Samuel, born 1700, son of Capt. George, removed to Middleboro, 
where he was called Samuel Junior, 10 distinguish him from his 
uncle. Deacon Samuel. He married Susannah Tobey* of Sandwich, 
Nov. 21, 1723 ; removed to Killingly, Conn., and had eight children, 
of whom Noah, born August 20, 1727, was grandfather of Rev. VVil 
liam Barrows, D. D., late Secretaiy of the Mass. Home Missionary 
Society ; and George, born March 21, 1733, was grandfather of Levi 
Barrus. This George resided in Tt^lland, Conn., where he and all 
his children, except one son, Lazarus, and one daughter, Keziah, died 
of malignant fever in 1777. 

Samuel, known as "Deacon Samuel," born 1672, son of Robert, 
removed to Middleboro, 1699, and built a house soon after, which is 
still occupied by his descendants. It was built with reference to de- 
fense ngainst the Iiuliins, and has a port hole through which to fire 
imiskels at the enemy. Robert, Jr., of Mansfield, Conn., born 1689, 

* Tlie autlior has a sugar bowl that belongeil to this hidy, probably at the time of her 
nnrriagc. It was preserved in the famil.v of her son, George, and came to her grand.son 
Lazarus, and tlit^nce to liis daughter Ann, by whom it was given to its present owner. 



140 HISTORY OF GOSHEK. 

died 1720, was the ancestor of Rev. E. P. Barrows, Professor in Ober- 
lin Seminary. 

Thomas, brother of Robert, Jr., also of Mansfield, was the ancestor 
of Rev. John O. Barrows, now missionary to Turkey. 

Three of the sons of John, the emigrant, early removed from Ply- 
mouth — Joshua and Benajah to Atilehoro; JSbenczer, to Cumber- 
land, R. I. Their decendants are numerous, like the posterity of the 
elder brother, liobcrt, and are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pa- 
cilic. John, eldest son of Benajah, born 170S, was father of John, the 
graduate of Haivtfld College in 1766, who was a teacher in Dighton 
for fifly years. He had a son Thomas who was a physician ; and an- 
other son, John, who was a teacher. Prof. John Manning Barrows of 
Olivet College, Micliigan, was a son of this teacher, and has two sons 
in the ministry : Rev. John H. Barrows, pastor of the Maverick 
church in Boston, and Rev. Walter M. Bairovvs, missionary in Salt 
Lake City, Utah. There are many other ministers of the gospel, 
teachers and physicians, in the different branches of the family, 
whose names are reserved for a more extended genealogy now in 
preparation by the author. The name of the family is supposed to 
be from Barrotv, a mound, or Borough, or Burgh, a town, which 
seems to ally it with the name of Burgess. 

Lazarus Barrows (or Barrus), born 1763, married Ruth, daughter of 
of Joseph Cressey. They removed from Tolland, Conn., to Rowe, 
Mass., soon after the birth of their first child. The following dates of 
births of their oliildren are from the records in Charlemont : Julia 
Ann, born Nov. 11, J785, married Elijah Warren ; Susannah, born 
Jan. 26, 1788, married Bani Parker about 1812 ; Patience, born July 

22, 1790, married first; Elisha Pliillips, second, Jona. Lilly, third, 

Clark ; George, born April 2, 1793, married first, Rhoda Keyes, se- 
cond, Rhoda T. Graves ; Levi, born March 10, 1795, married first, 
Almeda Stearns, second, Elvira W. AUis ; Ereelove, born April 21, 
1798; Perus, born April i, 1801, M. Huldah Rogf^rs ;Rulh, born Dec. 
18, 1803, married Elijah Howes Nov. 24, 1831 ; Anna, born March 
29, 1808, mariied I\Lidison Knowlton Nov. 11, 1830. 

The family claim that this record of births should date two or three 

years'later. George Barrus died , 1869. 

Children of Levi and Almeda Barrus : Hiram, born July 5, 1822 
married Augusta Stone; Lorin, born May 31, 1825, married Lucinda, 
Naramore ; Laura Ann, born July 26, 1827, married Jacob Lovell ; 



r^-^vs 




^-i-s B^^^ 






HISTORY OF GOSHEJ^^. 1-il 

Theron Levi, born Sept. i, 1829, married Czarina Robinson ; Alvan 
Stone, born Oct. 14, 1841, married Emeline P. Wakefield ; Cliarles, 
born May 25, 1834, married Clarissa Hill ; Louisa Jane, born July 
20, 1838, died Sept. 4, 1850. 

Hiram Barrus removed to Boston in 1861, where he received an 
appointment in the Custom House under Collector J. Z. Goodrich. 
After serving in several minor positions he became assistant cashier 
in 1864, a position he has retained under six different collectors, with 
the same cashier, E. L. Frothingham, Jr. 

Hiram Barrus married Augusta, daughter of Col. Luther Stone, 
April 24, 1845. Removed to Reading, May 19, 1863. Children : 
Edna Stone, born Oct. 25, 1846, married Galen A. Parker; Frederick 
P. Stone, born May 7, 1848, died Oct. 12, 1851 ; George Winthrop, 
born Sept. 26, 1850, died March 26, 185 1 ; Mary Alnieda, born Feb. 
19, 1852, died Aug. 21, 1867 ; George Hale, born July 11, 1854, mar- 
riedSadie L. Dewey ; Jennie Rood, born July 10, 1856. 

Edna S. married Galen A. Parker Nov. 7, 1867. Children : Liz- 
zie Augusta, born Jan. 18, 1S70 ; Winthrop Dana, born Oct. 28, 
187 1 ; Marion Edna, born Oct. 28, 1873 ; Jennie Barrus, born Oct. 
27, 1879. 

George H. Barrus married Sadie L., daughter of P\ O. Dewey, June 

23, 1877. Bella Dewey, daughter of George and Sadie Barrus, boin 
March 24, 1878. 

Lorin Barrus married Lucinda, daughter of Franklin Naramore, 
June 5, 1848. Children : Walter Frank, born March 24, 1850, died 
Jan. 23, 185 1 ; Helen Lucinda, born Oct. 19, 185 1, married William 
Bartlett ; Charles Franklin, born Dec. 21, 1854; Frederick Walter, 
born 1857; Ann Lurane, born Aug. 5, 1859, died Oct. 17, 1877; 
Eva Elvira, born Nov. 186 1 ; Sheridan Ezra, born Sept. 29, 1867 ; 
Josephine Ruth, born Oct. 11, 1869. 

Laura Ann Barrus married Jacob Lovell, Nov. 28, 1850; resides 
in Cummington. Children : Ellen A., born Oct. 5, 1851, married Ed- 
ward Warner; Lizzie J., born Sept. 17, 1853 ; Julia Ann, born Sept. 

24, 1855 ; Hattie L., born Jan. 14, 1858; Alvan E.^, July ro, 1863, 
died April, 1869. 

Theron L. Barrus married Czarina A. Robinson of Cummington, 
May 17, 1854. Children: James Levi, born Oct. 13, 1855, married 
Nellie Lesure ; Willie Arthur, born Oct. 2, 1857; Edward T., born 
Oct. 14, i86i ; Mary Almeda, born Jan. 11, 1868 : Lida Emily, born 
Aug. 13, 1872. 



ltl:2 HISTORY OF GOSHEN^. 

Alvan Banus married Emeline P. Wakefield of Reading, June 29, 
1869. Children : Lena Wakefield, born Nov. 2, 1875 • George Levi, 
born Dec. 15, 1880. 

Charles Barrus married Clara Hill of Ashfield, Jan. i, 1859. 

Children : Charles Stanley, born Jan. 9, i860, died in infancy ; 
Clifton Levi, born Jan. 15, 1861 ; Laura Almeda, born March 13, 
1862; Flora A., born June 15, 1863; Hiram Austin, bom Aug. 13, 
1867 ; Alvan G., born Dec. 3, 1S68; Calvin, born Dec. 3, 1868, died 
Aug. 15, 1869 ; Augusta L., born May 30, 187 i ; Carl Birdsie, born 
Dec. 29, 1874; Walter Leander, born July, 1877. 

Mr. Levi Barrns was an industrious, frugal, and thoroughly honest 
man, who minded his own affairs, shunned official positions of every 
sort, and lived to a good old age. The Hampshire Gazette oi March 
27, 1877, gave the following obituary notice of him : "The death of 
Mr. Levi Barrus, which occurred March i8lh, was not unexpected 
by his family and friends. For some months he has been gradually 
failing, yet he will be none the less missed. Interested in every 
good word and work, whether of town or church affairs, he held a 
place in the hearts of the whole community. As far back as we can 
remember, we see him sitting at the head of his usually well-filled 
pew in the church, and so leniently had time dealt with him, that he 
looked little older to us as we last saw him in that same place, not 
very long ago. Especially will he be missed in the social gatherings, 
where he was a constant and welcome guest as long as his health 
permitted. His last days have been in marked contrast with many 
others, made peaceful and happy by the kind and respectful atten- 
tion of his children. His funeral was attended on Wednesday last 
by a large circle of children, grand-children, great-grandchildren and 
friends. Mr. Barrus leaves a wife, a most estimable woman, some 
years younger than himself." 

Children of Adam and Lydia Beal : Ezra, born Jan. 17, 1778, in 
Chesterfield ; Lydia, born July 17, 17S0; Ruth, born July 24, 1782 ; 
Wheat, June 30, 17S4. 

Adam Beal removed to Vermont, probably Fairfield. It is said 
that he was one of the party that threw the tea into Boston harbor, 

Caleb Cushman was born in Woodstock, Conn., Oct. 21, 1749; 
married Bathsheba, daughter of Asa and Mary Spaulding, Children : 
Wealthy, born and died, 1775 '> Rufi-is, born Sept. 18, 1777 ; Wealthy, 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 143 

born Oct. i, 1779 ; Rvilpli, born Apiil 8, 17S2 ; Calvin, June 13, 17S4 ; 
Theodaina, born Aug., 1786, married Erastiis Kni;^ht in 1828, died 
1833; Minerva, born Aug. 20, 1788; Vesta, born Oct. 27, 1790; 
Mary, born Nov. 26, 1796, married D.ivid Wortliington of Peru. 

Caleb Cushman was a descendant of Robert Cushmin, the Pilgrim, 
born about 1580, who preached the first sermon ever printed in 
America. The largest monument on Burial Hill, in Plymouth, was 
erected to his memory some years since by his descendants. The 
name on the records in Leyden is spelt Coctsnian. 

Caleb Cushman died in Goshen, Jan. 3, 1809 ; his wife died Jan. 
17, 1805. (See history of the church for fuller account of the 
family.) 

The Carpenter families originated from Attleboro'. Ezra, who 
lived on the Capt. Tower farm, may have been the father of Deacon 
Cyril, Joab and David. Esther, wife of Ezra, was received to the 
church by letter from Plainfield in 1808. David married Rachel, 
daughter of Maj. Ambrose Stone, May 30, 181 1, and lived for some 
years in Chesterfield. His children were: Edwin A., born 1815, 
married Charlotte A., daughter of Thomas Lyman, Nov. 30, 1837, 
removed to Pleasant Prairie, Wis., 1849 ; Ezra, born 1817, married 
ist, Martha Dresser, 2d, Calista Packard, Nov. 27, 1851 ; Lurane A., 
born 1820, married Hiram Packard ; Maria, died 1831 ; Ambrose S., 
removed to Wisconsin ; Alvan S., engaged in mining in Colorado. 

David Carpenter was a teacher in his younger days, an accurate 
musician — the bass viol being his favorite instrument, and under- 
stood land surveying. 

Richard Carpenter was of another family, came from Amherst, vvas 
father-in law of Reuben Smith. 

Simeon Cowles was also from Amherst. His children were : 
Rufus, who married Emma Stedman Oct. 26, 1840, and removed 
West ; Amasa S. ; Esther, married Franklin Naramore, Feb. 14, 
1833 'y Charlotte, married Samuel Luce, 2d, Oct. 26, 1840; Mary, 
married Quarters Tower, Nov. 28, 1844 ; Harriet, married J. J. Wag- 
ner, Dec. 17, 1845. 

Solomon Cushman and Barney Prentiss came from Worthington 
about 1831, and purchased the mills on Swift River, which had been 
occupied for several years by Asa Partridge. They displaced the 
grist mill by shingle and peg-making machines, and sold to Samuel 



144 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

and Edward Ranney about 1837, who manufactured faucets, &c. 
Levi and Reuben Gardner, subsequently with S. Ranney, as the firm 
of Ranney and Gardner, manufactured broom and brush handles, 
and children's carriages here. Samuel Ranney married Flora Sel- 
den, and had Lyman ; Mary, died Jan. 1846 ; Edward Willis, born 
Aug. 9, 1843 ; Mary L., born March 3, 1849 ; Josephine, born Nov. 
9, 1851. 

The Damon family came from Scituate, or perhaps, Cohasset, about 
1770. Ichabod was the pioneer, and had Ichabod, Jonathan, Wil- 
liam, and Abner, Abner married Louisa , and lived on the Olds 

place. His sons were Jared, father of Marlon ; Ichabod ; Chester ; 

Abner ; Naomi, married Jacob Lovell ; Louisa married Bart- 

lett ; Mary died unmarried. Marlon Damon married Adeline Camp- 
bell, and had Isabel, who married George Kellogg ; and Elizabeth 
who married Edward Baker. 

Gershom C. Damon was grandson of Gershom Collier of Chester- 
field, one of the party who threw the tea overboard in Boston harbor. 

Reuben Dresser and his brother isToses came from ('harlton. 
Moses lived here several years and built a house on the Simeon 
Cowles place, but sold out and went back to Charlton, where he kept 
a hotel for a long time oii "Dresser Hill." Reuben and Moses were 
sons of Richard Dresser, Jr., who was born Sept. 22, 1714; married 
Dorothy Marcy, Nov. 12,1741, died 1799. His father, Richard, mar- 
ried Marcy Peabody, June 29, 1708; died July 31, 1728, aged 50, 
leaving a widow and ten children. Richard Dresser, Jr., was prob- 
ably first town clerk of Charlton. In 1771, Jan. 9, "in consideration 
of the Paternal love and affection and for the service done for him 
by his son Reuben of Chesterfield, and for the more convenient ac- 
commodation and settlement in the world, and as h'S full portion or 
share" of the father's estate, he gave Reuben a deed of original lot 
No, 16; and also lot No. 73, second division, in what is now Goshen, 
and is still in possession of the Dresser family. 

Reuben Dresner married Mary, daughter of Joseph Burnell, Sen., 
of Chesterfield. Their children were Reuben, who married Sophia 
Bardwell for his first wife and Sybil W. Smith of Hadley for his 
second. Amos, born April 20, 1784, died April 11, 1813 ; vvho 
mcrried Minerva Cushman, partmts of Amos, born Dec. 17, 1812 ; 
one of the leaders in the anti-slavery movement ; Moses, who married 



HISTORY OF GOSHBX. 145 

Vesta Ciishman l*'ei). 3, 1S13 ; Aaron, twin brother of IMoses ; Han- 
nah, who married Rev. Abel Farley; Chloe, who married Dr. Erastus 
Hawks ; Polly, who married Eleazer Hawks. 

The children of Reuben Dresser and Sophia, his wife, were: Hen- 
ry, who died a young man of much promise ; Francis, who married 
Corinth Higgins of Worthington, and removed West ; Mary, married 
Samuel Loveland of Middlefield ; Sophia, married Rev. Samuel 
VVhalley ; Laura, died unmarried. 

The children of Reuben Dresser and Sybil \V., his second wife, 
were: Elizabeth, who died at the age of 19 years ; Henry, whore- 
moved to the West; and Martha, who married Ezra Carpenter, and 
died soon after, aged 18. 

The children of Moses and Vesta (Cushman) Dresser were : Ca- 
leb C, born Dec. 19, 1S13, married Julia M., daughter"of Benja- 
min White, Esq., Nov. 24, 1842; Levi, born Feb. 28, 1816, married 
and resides in northern New York ; George, born July 20, 1820, mar- 
ried Alvey, daughter of Col. Luther Stone, Jan. 14, 1847 ; D. Chloe, 
born June i, 1823, married Frederick W. Belding, May 28, 1846; 
Wealthy, born June 24, 1826, married Calvin A. Packard, Jan. 15, 
1852 : Rufus, born Dec. 4, 1828, married and resides in Easthamp- 
ton ; Martha, born Oct. 18, 1S32, married Miles Farr, and resides in 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 

Sophia B., daughter of Caleb C. Dresser, married Joseph C. Bridg- 
man, and removed West; Helen M., second daughter, mariied Ed- 
ward Smith of Sunderland, and died soon after ; Albert B., only son, 
resides on the Dresser farm with the younger daughter. 

Henry, eldest son of George Dresser, married Alice, adopted 
daughter of F. M. Pierce, and resides in Wisconsin ; George C, 
teacher, resides with his father; Vesta C, only daughter, married 
Edward C. Packard, died 1879, leaving two children. 

Nathan Fuller had Nathan Jr. and John. John married (.'ynthia 
Nash, grand-daughter of Capt. Robert Webster, Dec. 2, 1819, and 
had Chester M., who married Laura, daughter of David Beals ; Eck- 

ford, who removed to eastern New York ; Elvira, who married 

Burt; .Vurelia, married Horatio Bassett ; Susan, married Frank 
Cla;)p of Williamsburgh. 

Capt. John Grant, a man of solid worth, was born, lived and died 
on the same farm. His great-grandfather came from Scotland, had 



146 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

four sons : Benjamin, Joseph, Moses, Ebenezer. Moses went to Bos- 
Ion, and was perhaps ancestor of the late Dea. Moses Grant. John's 
father was Asa Grant, and came here from Wrentham, 1769. Capt. 
Grant was long a teacher of schools in this and adjoining towns, 
often served as a town ofticer, and was a land surveyor. He died 
March 11, 1861, at the age of 90. He was born April 25, 177 r. He 
outlived all his near relatives, but died among friends. His sister 
Ruth, born in Braintree, Jan. 27, 1769, married John Abell and re- 
moved to Fairfield, Vermont, to which place the father and mother 
of Capt. John removed. They were living there in 1S07. 

Christopher Grant, probably a brother of Asa, married Elizabeth 
. Their children were: Daniel, born June 12, 1772, in Chester- 
field ; Susannah, born July 22, 1777 ; Mary, born June 28, 17S2. 
Ciiristopher died Oct. 12, 1782 ; Mrs. Elizabeth died Aug. 6, 1796, 

Samuel Grimes of Brookfield, came in 1769 or 70. He married 
I\Iary Hinckley. Their children were : James, born Feb. 7, 1769, in 
Brookfield ; Samuel, born Sept. 21, 1770, in Goshen; ^lary, born 
March 8, 1772; Charles, born Jan. 17, 1774, lemoved to Genessee, 
N. Y. ; Submitt, born Aug. 3, 1775 ; Abigail, born April 2, 1777, re- 
ceived a letter of dismission from church to Canawdagua, N. Y., 
1802; William, born Jan. 18, 1779; Sarah, born Sept. 4, 17S0, re- 
ceived a letter to Poultney, 1812. 

The Grover family lived in the northeast part of ihe lown on what 
is slill known as tiie "Grover Lot." The parents were Stephen and 
Zipporah. The children were : Barnard, born Aug. 2, i77i,in Wesj.- 
ern ; Robert, born Aug. 15, 1773; Sarah, born Aug. 5, 1775; 
Stephen, born Aug. 24, 1777 ; Rebecca, born Sept. 29, 1778 ; 
Stephen, born Nov. 2, 1780 ; Allen, born Aug. 21, 1782 ; Asaph, born 
Aug. 6, 1790. 

Wni. Hallock, of Brookhaven, L. I., came here about 1766. He 
was by trade a blacksmith, but investing his money in a small vessel, 
which was lost by collision with a British ship, he came into the 
country and engaged in farming. In this pursuit he obtained a com- 
fortable livelihood, brought up a large family, and lived to the age of 
86. On the Sabbath before his death he walked to church, a mile 
and a half distant. He had raised quite a large crop of corn du ring- 
that year, and while engaged in husking it was taken unwell. He 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. i+' 



sen. for Esq.Wiu.e and made hi. wdl, a„d soon aher 'eU into a leU>- 
argy, in which he remained till his death on .he f° '"-'"^.f 7^ '^ 
Oc. 2. .81, One of his cotemporavies says of h.m, he «as a 
Uc.. 21, lais. ^ Tlip rimrch record con. ains .Ins 

OTod man and had two good sons. The clH.,cn reco 
«mark of him. "supposed .0 have been eonver.ed =» f° ^ J 
a.e." His children, Teremiah, Moses, Polly, Alice a.,d Bethmh ue 
,°or„ on Long Island. .Vbigaii, .Martha, Es.her and Mercy w e r 
here. Be.hi;h n.a.ried S.ephen Hosford. They were .he pa s o 
Mrs. Rnf.,s Moore and ^s Sehh Bardwell. he apple ." f 
the nan.e "Halleck Weed," by which it is generally knom, ere^o 
the plant "Ox-eye Daisy." is said to have been suggested b d f c , 

.hat Mrs. Hallock, on .heir ■---^' '» ''^ '"™''' '^'° f' ^ ^'u' 
the seeds of the plant for the beanty of its ^'"■"'- "»";!;;";" •; 
perhaps, as a memen.o of her former home. (See Chapte, V. 
fur.her de.ails of Hallock family.) 

The .hree Hawks bro.hers, Jared. Eleazer and »'-^'^^^ 
,,„n, Charlemont. They weresons of Jn;ed Hawks, whose r d. e 
was near ti.e bridge over .he Deerfield r.ver f «'- '°° V"' " of he 
lev hill. He was prob.ably a descenden. of John Hawks, one of he 
r ginal sef.lers o/nadley, coming from Wi,,dsor, Conn, w.th otl 
pioneers. John may have been brother of Adan, Hawks of San.ns, 
who was ancestor of Rev. W. S. Hawks of South Hadlej. 

Tared Hawks, Jr., married Hannah, daughter of Nehem h ^ 
Sent -l .799, a..d had one son who was deaf and d nnb. H s 

an 1.;:;. E^c-a M., n.arried Rev. VVnr. ^o.^^'-^'^^Oc^^J^o 
another daughter, Julia, was for many years -J""""''^'''"^^^^ 
,.„nadelphia, married Henry Gardel le. /•■"> J^^' ,,Xd' 
adop,ed son of Jared, marrie.l En.eline, daughter of ^"'^^ ""^ '. 
Oct . .834. Children : Julia May, married Henry b, Sm.h an 
„ 'e E.; .eacl,er and school commit.ee ; Mar.ha A., mar„ed A,.hu, 
H Walkley, and resides in New York. 

Eleazer Hawks married Polly Dresser, March 23, .-09. and had 
Harvey, Sylvia, Elvira, Rodney, Alcander and Amos. 

d" Eras.us Hawks married Chloe Dresser. Then- chdd.eu we.e . 
Harriet N., Sophia A,, Milo and New.o.T. 

Rev. Roswell Hawks was ano.her son of Jared, ben. 

lohn V. Hunt of Plainfield, married Lydia Gloyd of Goshen 
M],xh6, ,800. His oldest son, Jona.hau, was probably born ,n 



148 



HISTORY OF C40SHEN. 



PJaiiifield. The records of Goshen, where tlie family soon removed, 
name the following children : Clarissa, born Feb. 7, 1804 ; Charles, 
born Oct. 31, 1807 ; Lowell, born "July 2, t8io. 

Jonathan Hunt married Lilly Putney, and had Frederick P., who 
married Sophia, daughter of Elijah Billings, and, removed to the 
West; and Arthur P., who married Josephine Plimpton, and soon 
after died. 

Charles Hunt married Mary A. IMacFarland of Ashfield. 

Lowell Hunt married Electa Putney, and had George, who resides 
in Northampton ; and Susie P., the teacher, who married Ward D. 
White. 

John James, the pioneer from Cohasset, was a man of good busi- 
ness capacity and had, for his day, a large property. He died in 
1805, and his son Malachi succeeded to his estate. Malachi, known 
in his maturer years as Captain James, was public spirited, gener- 
ous and social, and was often in public business. He was born July 
9, 1767 ; married Elizabetli, daughter of Elias Lyman of Northamp- 
ton, Feb. iS, 1790 ; died Aug. 24, 1849. -^'^ children were : Sophia, 
born Nov. 18, 1791, manied Dr. Thomas Sears, 1815 ; Enoch, bom 
Dec, 8, 1793 ; married A. K. Dwight, died at Ann Arbor, Mich., 
Feb. 28, 1867. Children : Henry L., Lyman D., Maitha, Mary, 
Enoch Dwight. Lyman Janits, born March 23, 1796, graduate of 
Williams College in iSiS, manied Maria C. Goodrich, studied law, 
died at Bellefontaine, Ala. ; Maria, born July 2, 1799, married 
Samuel Howes ; Clarissa, born May 18, 1801, married J. D. Whit- 
ney of Nerthampton, Oct. 13, 1834, and had James L., graduate 
of Yale, 1856, Professor in Harvard College ; Harvey M., graduate 
of Yale, 1864, Prof, in Beloit College ; Luther James, born July 13, 
1803, a wealthy and retired business man of Ann Arbor ; Lewis L. 
James, born May 8, 1805, a New York merchant, married Cerinlha 
Wells; Elizabeth, married A. L. Babcock ; Rachel L., born 1812, 
married David Storrs. 

The early records of the town give the following list as the chil- 
dien of Moses and Rebekah James: John, born Aug. 6, 1786; 
Moses and Aaron, twins, born April 10, 178S; Hannah, born July 
24, 1790 ; Lois, born Oct. 29, 1792 ; Rebekah-, born Aug. 17, 1794; 
Francis, born May 24, 1796; Lurany R., born Apiil 15, 1800. 

It is said there were three pairs of twins in town of neaily the 



HISTORY OF GOSIIEK. 149 

same age, each named Moses and Aaron — children of Reuben 
Dresser, Josc]:)h Jepson and Moses James. 

The children of John and Betsey Jipson are on record, as follows : 
Sally, born Feb. 2, 1779; Lucretia, born Jan. 15, 1781 ; Forrist, 
born Maicli 4, 17S3 ; twins, born and died Oct. 17S4; Batsey, born 
Sept. 19, 1785 ; John, born Aug. 5, 1787 ; Cyrel, born June 12, 
1789 ; Tirzn, born May 29, 1791 ; Marcia, born May 22, 1793. 

Joseph Jipson, brother of John, married Hannah, daughter of 
(^apt. Robert Webster. They had Joseph, who marrieel Mary Hast- 
ings, and resided in Goshen ; William ; Moses and Aaron, twins ; 

Hannah married Newell ; Theodocia. Aaron married Fanny 

Hibbard, and resided in Springfield. Joseph's children were : 
Anson, who removed to the West; iVlzadee, who married Elijah 
Jordan ; Mary Ann, who niarried Gilson Judd of Northampton ; 
Francis, who married and removed West. 

The records give the following list of children of [Robert and 
Eunice King, nearly all born in Half Moon, N. , Y. : Eunice, born 
Nov. 22, 1794; John, born Nov. t6, 1795; Lucy, born' July 29, 
179S ; Polly, born March 9, 1801 ; Andrew, born June 9, 1S03 ; 
Robert, born Jan. i, 1S07 ; Dolly E., born Oct. 24, 1809 ; James H., 
born March 23, 1813 ; William H.. born Dec. 15, 1815 ; Elisha, born 
Dec. 13, 1S18. The last named two born in Goshen. 

The Kingmans came from Bridgewater to Goshen, and were prob- 
ably descendants of Henry of Weymouth, who came from Wales in 
1632. Isaac Kingman married Content, daughter of James Packard, 
1768, and removed to this town some years previous to 1780, when 
he sold his homestead to Maj. Ambrose Stone. The sons of Isaac 
were Isaac and Levi of Cummington, and Reuben of Goshen ; the 
daughters were Content, married Lewis Thayer and removed to 
Conneaught, Ohio ; Jemima, married Asa Bates ; and Parthena, 
married Seth Ford. 

Levi Kingman married Theodocia, daughter of Joshua Packard, 
1 817. They were the parents of Hon. Richmond P. Kingman, now 
of Battle Creek, Mich., and also of Augustus F. and Roldan P. 

Reuben Kingman married Betsey Clark of Plainfield, 1808, and 

had Henry ; Harriet, niarried first, Hannum, second, Cyrus 

Miller; Fidelia; Alvan, who niarried .Louisa Sherman; Samuel, 



150 



niSTORY op C40SHEN. 



married Eliza A. Ranney ; Levi C, married Sarah A. Ranney, 
David, married Harriet Richards; Sarah, married James Kinney. 

The Lyon families came from Woodstock, Conn., and were descen- 
dants of William Lyon, who came from I^ondon in 1635 to Roxbury 
in the ship "Hopewell," at the age of fourteen. 

Caleb and ALirgaret of Woodstock had thirteen children : Debo- 
rah, born 1729, married Allerton Cushman, 174S ; Benjamin, born 
1730, married Sarah May; Margaret, born 1732, married Col. Ezra 
May; Caleb, born 1734; Lieut. Wm., born 1736, married Mary 
Tufts, 1772, and was killed in the battle of Bunker Hill; Lieut. 
Lemuel, born 1738,- removed to Goshen; John and Luther, twins, 
born 1740, John married Mary Evans, 1767, Luther married Mary 
Friskelt, 1771; Levi, born 1742, married Ruth Filch; Molly, born 
1745 '> Sylvanus, born 1748, probably removed to Goshen ; Cyius, 
born 1750, removed to Goshen; Susannah, born in 1752! 

Lieut. Lemuel Lyon married first, Hannah Dresser of Southbridge, 
cousin of Reuben Dresser, Sen., and had Joel, born Aug. 17, 1764 ; 
Cena, born Feb. 26, 1766, married Sylvenas Stone, perhaps brother 
of Dea. Artemus, and removed to Williamstown. Mrs. Hannah died 

Nov. 10, 1766, and Lieut. Lyon married second, Mary . Their 

children were : Hannah, born August 16, 1773, and Silas, born May 
22, 17S0. Silas was a graduate of Williams College, became a law- 
yer, and in a deed given in 1.809, describes himself of Boston. 
Lieut. Lemuel removed to Williamstown, and the church records in 
Goshen state that he died in New York City — perhaps his son Silas 
removed there. Silvanus Stone removed to Williamstown, and kept 
a hotel there for many years. Llis sons were Silas, who continued 
the hotel business, Chester and Pomeroy. 

Cyrus Lyon, brother of Lieut. Lemuel, married Mary , and 

had Abell, born May 15, 1778; Luther, born Aug. 26, 17S0; Eliza- 
beth, born Aug. 22, 1782, died 1819; Elias, born Sept. i, 1784. 

Abell Lyon, then of Swanton, Vt., married Lucinda Olds, Feb. 20, 
1804 ; Elias Lyon married Relief Thayer of Hawley, in 1813, and 
had Mary and Betsey and perhaps others. , 

Cyrus Lyon died Feb. 12, 1B31; Hannah, his second wife, died 
March 20, 1S13, aged 59. 

The Lymans on their way to this town had three resting places — 
Roxbury, Hartford, Northampton. i\ichard, the pioneer, came to 



HISTORY OF GOSH EX. 151 

New England and settled fust in Roxbury with several children : 
Phiilis, Richard, Sarah, Jolm, and probably another. He joined the 
churcli there, but we learn from the Apostle Eliot's record of church 
members, that "when the great removal was made to Connecticut, he 
also went, undergoing much alftiction, for, going toward winter, his 
cattle were lost in driving, and some never found again." Resettled 
at Hartford, but died in 1640. His son John had lohn, Jr., who was 
the father of Gad Lyman of Northampton, who was born Feb. 13, 
17 13. He married Thankful Pomeroy, daughter of the famous "-un- 
smith, June 22, 1738. He became a large owner of land in Goshen 
while it was yet a forest, and late in life removed^here and resided 
with his son Timothy. He died Oct. 24, 1791. 

Timothy, born in Northampton, July 26, 1746, marri-ed in 1770 
Hannah Colson, who was brought up in the family of Major Joseph 
Hawley, and removed to this town the same year. Mrs. Lyman, a 
relative of Adam Colson, one of the persons engaged in throwino- 
British tea overboard in 1773^ came to Northampton, riding the Vv'hole 
distance on horseback behind Major Hawley, on his return from Bos- 
ton when he represented the town in the Legislature. The old Ly- 
man mansion here was built in 1797, it is said, by Mrs. Lyman's 

great uncle, Colson of Boston. The children of Lieut. Timo* 

thy and Hannah Lyman, were: Jerusha. born , • John 

C, born Jan. 20, 1775 ; William, born Feb. 21, 1778 ; Timoth}-, born 

, 1780; Francis, born Feb. 3, 1781 ; Thomas, born Feb. 12, 

1783; Abigail, who married Dr. Daniel Pierce. 

Jerusha, married George Salmon, Nov. 10, 1796. They united 
with the church here, Nov. 179S, and were dismissed to Wolcott, 
N. Y., Feb. 1814. Their children born in this town were : Auo-usta, 
May 17, i79« ; Jerusha, Aug. 6, 1801 ; Mar\', May 31, 1S03 ; others 
died young. 

John C. Lyman married Susannah, daughter of Dr. Burgess, Nov. 
7, 1799 : had Adam Colson, born 1800, died a young man of bril- 
liant promise, Oct. 9, 1823; Benjamin B. ; Christiana. This family 
removed to Cummington. 

William Lyman, born P'eb. 21, 1778, removed to Schenectady, 
N. v., where he became a prominent and successful business man. 

Timothy Lyman, Jr., bettor known as "Colonel" Lyman, married 
Hannah, daughter of William White, Esq., Feb. 16, 1804. They had 



- 152 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

no children. Col. Lyman was Justice of the Peace and was often 
called to serve in important affairs at home and abroad. He died 
greatly lamented, Dec. 26, 1831. His widow died Nov. 21, 1S62. 

Capt. Francis Lyman, married first, Helen, daughter of Hugh 
Mitchell, Esq., of Schenectady, N. Y., and had William, born 1810, 
who became a physician of extended practice and was surjjeon in 
Gen. Grant's army. He died in 1866. Hugh M., ihe second son, 

was born Oct. 21, 1814, married Kingman, and resided in 

Woithiiigton ; died i86g. The mother-died Aug. 26, 1^31, ami Capt. 
Francis, married second, Lucinda, daughter of Solomon Parsons, 
April 10, 1833. Their children were : Timothy P., born Aug. 7, 
1834, who married Mrs. Jennie Rice; Helen; INLiiy and Francis 
died 1844. 

Thomas Lyman, married Dorcas Smith, Oct. 5, 1813. I'heir chil- 
dren were : Thankful P., born Dec. 12, 1815 ; Frederick W., born 
March 31, 18 17 ; Charlotte Augusta, born Sept. 39, 181 8 : Timothy, 
born 1S20, died 1829 ; I'homas, born 1822, died 1830. 

F. W. Lyman, married Sarah W., daughter of Samuel Naramore, 
March 6, 1S44. Their oldest son, Henry Frank, was born June 26, 
1845. They removed soon after to Soulhport, now Kenosha, Wis., 
their present residence. Their children born there are : Agwes, Liz- 
zie, Frederick and Richard. Mr. Lyman, since his residence in the 
West, has been largely engaged in the sale and manufacture of shoes. 
He has an orange grove in Florida, whereof late years he spends his 
winters. He is a man of extensive and varied information, and has 
done much for the improvement of the public schools and for other 
important interests of his adopted state. 

Calvin Loomis, born in Springfield, son of Jonathan, was a resi- 
dent here for about forty years, and died Dec. 13, 1-878, at the age of 
ninety-nine years — one of the oldest persons that ever died in this 
town — perhaps the oldest. Anna, his wife, died Jan. 9, 1877, aged 
ninety-four. Children : Lyman A., married Susannah Beals, 1836 ; 
•USUi^ A\ Vinson, n^irktk'-^^^ Buits ; Alnion B. ; Maria, married S. Hatha- 
way, 1836 ; Amanda, married Jackson Willcutt, 1840. 

Almon P., married Hester, daughter of Rev. Wm. Willcutt, 1840, 

and had : Lucy, married ; Eliza, married Joseph Rogers; 

Eunice, married Alcander Hawks ; Almon/l, died Oct. 4, 1864, aged 
7 years. 



HISTOKY OV GOSHEX. 153 

Samuel Luce, manied first, Polly, probably daughter of Reuben 
Howes, Sept. 9, 1S03. Children: Lorin, born 1803, died July 4, 
1834 ; Samuel, married Lydia, daughter of Jacob Dyer, Nov. 29, 1836 ; 
Sears, married Vashti C. Merritt, 1839. 

Samuel Luce, Sen., married .second, C}nthia Tilton, Jan. 22^ 1840. 

Phinehas Manning, from Stafford, Conn., n)arri«d Abigail Allen 
of Ashfield, 1790. He died Oct. 22, 1S32, aged 77. She died Sept. 
22, 1856, aged 94. Children,: John, married Betsey Tower, 1817 ; 
Hannah, married Danitl Williams of Florida, 1820 ; Lydia, married 
Samuel Lamman of Florida, 182 i ; Abigail, married Leonard Thacher 
of Florida, 182S ; George W., married Asenat-h Beaman, Dec. 3, 
1833; Sally died unmarried. 

Children of Geo. W. and Asenath Manning : Augustus, Geo. W,, 
Joel, Jolin, William and Abigail. 

\Mlliam Meader came from Nantuckel, where his first child, Debo- 
rah Jr., was born Nov, 14, 1778; William Jr. was born in Goshen, 
Sept. 29, 1781 ; Jonatiian, born Dec. 2r, 1783. 

Col. Ezra May was an important man in the early setilement here 
in municipal and ecclesiasticaJ matters. He was one of the first dea-' 
cons of the church in Chesterfield, and almost constantly employed 
in [jublic service. He was commissioned Colonel of the 2d Hamp- 
shire Regiment, Feb. 8, 1776. Pay rolls at the State House show 
that he was sent on an expedition to Stillwater and Saratoga in 1777. 
Dexter May, his son, was with him. One company in his regiment 
was commanded by Capt. Christopher Banister. Nehemiah May, 
son of Ezra, was in Banister's company which marched to Benning- 
ton on alarm, by request, Aug. 17, 1777, to re-inforce the army ut<(r 
that place. The oldest brother of Ezra, Nehemiah of Brimfield,'was 
a captain in ihe 14th Hampshire Regiment under Col. Pyncheon. 
Thi.* Neiiemiah had four sons in the service : Rev. William served as 
chaplain, Chester, Ezra and Rufns. Col. Ezra had nine other near 
relatives in the army, of whom two were Colonels, one I\hijor, one 
Captain and two Corporals. 

The Goshen Mays were probably descendants ofjjohn of Roxbuiy, 
where the Mays and Lyons were early residents and land-owners 
There were many of the name in Woodstock, whence several of the 
eaily sct;lers of Goshen came. Lieut. Nehemiah May, born in Rox- 



154 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

burv, June, lyor, died in Woodstock, May i, 1753, mairied Mehitable 
Holbrook, Nov. 30, 1726. 

Children: Mary, born Oct. 23, 1727 ; Capt. Nehemiai), born Jan. 
31, 1729, died Dec. 27, 1793, mairied Annah, daughter of \Vm. Lyon ; 
Col. Ezra, born Dec. 16, 1731, died Jan. 11, 1778, mairied Margaret 
Lyon ; Sarah, born Oct. 22, 1733, died March, 1S18, married Benja- 
min Lvon ; Hannah, born 1736, died 1744 ; Prudence^ born May 25, 
1740, died Dec. 19, iSio, married Dani';l Lyon : Eliakim, born i7-',2, 
died March 27, 1816, married Martha Lyon. 

Capt. Nehemiah removed from Woodstock to Brimfield in 1752, 
and bought of his father-in-law, Wm. Lyon, the farm now owned by 
Henry A. May of Boston, to whom we are indebted for. much infor- 
mation in regard to the May and Lyon families. 

The ciiildren of Col. Ezra and Margarft May, were : Col. Nehe 
miah, born 1754, died Sept. 20, 1813; Dexter ; Prudence; Maiy ; 
Sarah, born Dec. 27, 1763, died 1804; Calvin, born April 15, 1765, 
died Jan. 2;^, 1842 ; Caleb, born Sept. 18, 1770 ; Eleanor, born Sept. 
15, 1773, died iTiJ ; Hannah, born 1776, died 1777. 

Col. Nehemiah mariied Susannah, sister of Justin Parsons, Nov. 
27, 1777, a woman of rare piety, who died Sept. 10, 1817. The chil- 
dren of Col. Nehemiali and Susannah May, were : Hannah, botn 
Oct. 25, 1778, married Jared Hawks; and Electa, born March 12, 
1781, married Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, missionary to the Indians, who 
graduated at Brown University 1812, Andover 1815, died 1870. 

Dexter May married Mary Paine of Williamsburgh. and had Den. 
Ezra, born Oct. 22. 1780,- died near Belvidere, III. ; Clarissa, born 
July 2, 1782, married Dea. Oliver Nash of Williamsburgh ; Mary, 
born Nov. 13, 1784. 

Prudence May married Rev. Isaac Babbitt, of Charlemont ; Mary 
May married Dr. Nathaniel Naramore ; Sarah, the first person born 
in Goshen, married Elisha Morton of Williamsburgh, died May 19, 
1804. He died 1839. ♦ 

Children of Sarah and Elisha Morton: Sarah, born Dec. 6, 1793, 
died 1801 ; Mary, born 1795, died 1803 ; Elisha, born Jan. 18, 1797, 
died 1872 ; Nehemiah May, born April 4, 1799, died July 8, 1878; 
Consider, bom Nov. 18, 1801, died Dec. 29, 1872. 

Dr. Calvin May, graduate of Yale College, 1786, married Mary 
Hyatt in the year 1800, in Highgate, Vt. Children : Dr. Horatio N., 
born in St. Armand, Canada, died 1848, having successfully practiced 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 



15;" 



medicine in his native town during his life; Joseph Edwin, born 1802, 
resides in Belvidere, 111. ; Lucia M., married Rev. J. A. Fitch of Shel- 
don, Vt. J Ezra, born 1812, a man of position and weaUli. resides in 
Belvidere ; Samuel H., of the firm of S. H. May & Co. of Montreal ; 
Miriam C, born 18 17 ; Prudence, married Rev. Wm. Jones of 
Broome, P. Q. ; Walter, born 1820, died 1857. 

Caleb Mav removed to South Carolini, but nothing further is 
known. ':::^^ 



Shepard Mojre, married first, Mary Carpenter, second. Widow 
Susannah Ames of Buckland, Aug. 22, 1S22. Children : Rufus, Ab- 
ner C; Betsey, married Enoch Sliaw of Buckland, Oct. 25, 1S12 ; Polly, 
mariied Martin Brackett, same date; Fanny, mariied Zephaniaii 
Richmond, March 27, iSig. 

Rufus Moore, married Hannah Hosford, Feb. 21, 1813, and had 
William ; Emery, married Finette Jewett ; Sarah ; Mary, married 
Capt. Fordyce Rice; and Stephen, who died young. Rufus Moore 
and his son Emery removed to Williainstown. 

Abner C. Moore, married Luena P. Slack, Sept. 25, 1^29, and had 
Fanny, Ann, Julia P., Edna S., Saiah, Chauncey, David. He 
removed with his family in 1852, to Benton, Illinois, and died a few 
years later. Chauncey, enlisted in the 42d Illinois Vols., served 
nearly three years and was killed at Chattanooga. 

Freeborn Mayhew, (not Freeman as incorrectly given on page 71, 
No. 56) from Martha's Vineyard, was probably a descendant of 
the missionary family of that name, the early settlers of the island. 
His son, William, born in this town, became a wealthy merchant of 
Baltimore, who wns greatly respected for his public spirit and i:rivale 
virtues. The family early removed to Ciiarlemcnt, having sold the 
farm to Rolon Rogers also from the \'ineyard. Robert Rogers, 
nephew of Rolon, visited his uncle in later years, remained with him 
till his decease, and inherited the property. 

Joseph Bassett, a neighbor of the Rogers family, who had been 
mate of a vessel, removed here, bringing with him his log-book, 
which is in possession of Joseph Rogers, one of his descendants. Tiie 
family have a tradition ihat bears were quite numerous, and trouble- 
some to the pioneers. It is said that tiiey infested the woods to such 
an extent tiiat hunting parties often turned out to destroy them. The 



156 HISTORY OP GOSHEX. 

children in one of these families, on the lookout one evening for the 
return of the absent father, thought they saw him approach'. As tliey 
were about to open the door to admit him the mother prevented it. 
The apparition passed by, and soon after, on the coming of the father, 
the tracks in the snow indicated that a bear of the largest size had 
been the visitor. 

Robert Rogers married Rulh Bassett, 1830. Children : Joseph, 
married Eliza, daughter of A. B. Loomis ; Martha, married Joseph 
Beals ; JMaria Rogers, married Wm. S. Allen ; Emeline ; Otis. 

Joseph Bassett had Silas, Mayhew, Jane, Mary, Ruth, Cynthia. 

Samuel Narnmore, from Woodstock, Conn., married Deborah Col- 
ton, came early to this town, owned No. 4, page 68, died Dec. 9, 1777, 
at the age of 47. Children : Dr. Nathaniel, married Mary, daughter 
of Col. Ezra May, Jan. 22, 1789 ; Thaddeus, married Rebtcca, 
sister of Rev. Justin Parsons, No\-, 5, 1788, and removed to 
Vermont; Elizabeth, married Dr. Jchn Kittredge, May 12 1791 ; Al- 
l^heus ; Sally, married Thomas Whitcomb, Eeb. 7, 1793; Capt . 
Joseph, married Olive, daughter of Abel Packard, 17S6. He died 
Oct. 3, 1834, aged 75 ] she died .'re| t ic, 1835, ^fi^fl *^9- Children : 
Clarissa, born Feb. 3, 1789, married Adam G. Porter, iScg ; Olive P., 
born June 11, 1791, married Solomon Hawks of Shelburne, Dec. 2, 
1819; Samuel, born Aug. 30, 1793, died Oct. 4, 1829, married Auie 
lia, daughter of Elijah Barclwell, and had Sarah Worthington, who 
married F. W. Lyman ; and Joseph, who removed to the West ; De- 
borah, born Oct. 24, 1795, manic cl Robert Dawes, Jr., Dec. 4, ]82i ; 
Abigail, married Dea. I. W. Biiggs, Aug. 8, 1826; Esther, married 
1829, John W. Norton ; Electa, married Eben Parsons, Dec. 7, 1823. 

Alpheus Naiamore married Marcy, daughter of William White, 
Esq., Nov. 17, 1791. Children: William W., born Jan. 24, 1793, 
removed to Bridgeport, Conn. ; Ezra, born April 15, 1795 ; Tryphosa, 
born July 8, 1797, married Willard Parsons; Franklin, born F'eb. 16, 
1800, died in Goshen, Aug. 16, 1854; Amos, born April 3, 1802, 
removed to Conn. ; Alpheus, bc>rn Feb. 23, 1805, died, 1808 ; 
Alpheus, Sen., died May, i8c6, aged 40 years. Mrs. May died Feb. 
23> ^Si3, aged 48 3'ears. 

Franklin Naramore married first, W^ealthy, daughter of Solomon 
Parsons, Feb. 27, 1823, and had Eucinda, who married Lorin Barrus ; 
and Charles L., who died Aug. i, 1854, aged 23. Mr. Naramore 
married second, Esther Cowles, daughter of Simeon, and had Henry 



HISTORY or GOSHEN. 157 

L. ; Wealth}', who married Eraslus Brown, Alarcli, 1858. Mrs. Esther 
died May 21, 1840, aged 30 years. Mr.. Naramore married third, 
Caroline ]., daughter of Robert Webster, Oct. 3, 1847, and had Mar- 
tha C, born July 20, 1S4S, died Au.:^. 4,1854; Frank, born March 
26, 185 1, died July 31, 1854; Willie, born June 26, 1852, ditd 
July 25, 1854. Several other ciiildren died young. 

Henry L. NaraiDore, sori of Franklin, mariied tirst, Mary, daughter 
of Richmond Jenkins, and had Martha A., born Feb. 22, i860 ; Elmer 

E., born July 7, 1861. He married second, , and now 

resides in Sharon, Mass. He was connected for some lime with 
Ryder of Boston, in the manufacture of organs. 

Arvin Nash of Plainfield, married tirst, Lucinda Vinton, and had 
Eunice, who married Capt. F. Rice ; Martha, who married Charles 
Lamb of New York ; Maria ; Jacob S. The mother died Sept. 28, 

1835, aged 42, and Mr. Nash married, second, Mrs. Dorothy Covell, 

1836. Their children were : James and Mary. The second mother 
died .Sept. 22, 1841, aged 42. Mr. Nash married, third, Miss Lucre- 
tia Pixley of Plainfield, and a few years later removed to. that town. 

Mrs. Lamb was born in Plainfield, came here when about five 
years old, and was a pupil of the school in the north-west district for 
ten or twelve years. She then taught school liere, and afterwards in 
Nrw Jersey, and wr<;te occasionally for the press. The following 
interesting account of her subsequent literary labor is condensed 
from the New York correspondence of a leading Boston paper. She 
furnishes anothei' bnlliaiU example of what can be accomplished by 
fai'diful effort and study. 

Nkw York, Dec. 2S, 1S79. 

"1 am always at work l^efnre eiglit in the moniing." This was said to me by 
Mrs. .Martha J. Lamb, the authores?. Tliis means unusually early rising, particu- 
larly in the winter, and more particularly in New York, where nine o'clock is a 
fairly early breakfast hour. Mrs. Lamb is known as the writer of "The History of 
Xevv York." It is b:ing brought out in elegant style bv Barnes tfc Co., one volume 
having beiMi issued about a year ago. The second and last is nearing completion. 
These volumes are heavy quartos, and the work, when completed, will form the 
most extended one ever written by a woman. For thirteen years Mrs. Lamb has 
been engaged upon this history. The writing was long ago completed, but the 
labor of revision, elaboration and condensation, far exceeds that of reading, com- 
piling and putting into manuscript form. 

She does not spare herself any labor in this work. If, by re-writing sentences or 
paragraphs for the tenth time, a subject can be more clearly or concisely presented. 



158 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

she conscientiously attacks the work. It is by methods like these that Mrs. Lamb 
has accomplished so much, for she has done much writing outside of her history. 
She has published chiklrens stories, countless short stories, a novel called "Spicy," 
many magazine articles, and still contributes editorials to weekly journals. She 
was the first person to write a popular descriptive article on the state department 
at Washington. This was published in Harper's. To the same publication she 
contributed an article on the "Coast Survey," which has since been made into a 
textbook for use in collegiate, courses. Mrs. Lamb's first books were not pub- 
lished under her own name. She shielded her identity behind the modest nom de 
plume of "Aunt Mattie," the little series of play-school stories, published in 1S69, 
became known as "Aunt Mattie's Library." Her latest publication is that beauti- 
ful holiday work, "The Picturesque Homes of America." Mrs. Lamb's literary in- 
clination is probably a bent of the mind traceable to inheritance, as one of her an- 
cestors was Treadway Russel Nash, D.D., the author of a great folio work, entitled 
•'Collections for the History of Worcestershire." She showed this inclination 
very early in life, writing verses when only ten years of age. Her first printed 
article appeared when she was thirteen years old. It was called forth by a visit to 
her mother's birthplace. It was printed in the Hamfshirg Gazette, Northampton. 

Despite the facts that Mrs. Lamb has been for a long time a "resident of New 
York, and that her name is connected with the history of that State, she is of New 
England birth and education. She was born in Plainfield, Mass., not far from the 
birthplace of William Cullen Bryant, of whom her father was an old friend. Mrs. 
Lamb's love of historical reading showed itself froni the time when she began to 
read, and she has pursued it with enthusiasm all her life. She never thought, how- 
ever, of putting her knowledge to practical use until the editor of a New York 
paper made the suggestion to her. Of cours*^, the magnitude of her work in its 
present form she had no conception of. It has grown steadily with her own knowl- 
edge, and by reason of the high standard which just such workers must always 
have before them. When the history is fairly out of her hands Mrs. Lamb's plans 
are by no means exhausted. She then contemplates 3. work on art, or r; ther she 
intends to complete and perfect one that is already begun. It is to be a concise 
liistory of the rise and progress of art. It is the aim to make it general and accii- 
rate without tiresome detail. 

In social life Mrs. Lamb takes not a little pleasure. Her enjoyment of friendly 
gatherings is confined largely to 5 o'clock teas and evening receptions. She 
receives New Year's day, this year, at Washington, with Mrs. Chief Justice Waite. 
Mrs. Lamb is said to brighten many festivals with her little poems, which often 
partake of a humorous character, and represent her mental recreations. The fe!- 
lowing is a pretty sentiment, and was written on the occasion of a golden wedding 
of a friend : 

There's no such thing as growing old. 
Though years on years roll by ; 
Though silvery white becomes the hair, 
And dimmed the earnest eye : 
Though furrows on the brow are cast. 
As gathering up the threads at last 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 159 

Of all the busy, wpll-spcnl past, 
A Ijiief review is anchored fast 
Of half a century. 

Life is in deeds, not days or year.--, 
In thoughts not breaths, in smiles not tear^ 
In loves not hates, in hopps not fears, 
In labor, which makes pastures sweet, 
And strew rare flowers beneath the feet ; 
In generous charities, not dates; 
In what this eve commemorates — 
Works, traced in golden lines above. 
Of half a century. 

Edward Orcutt from Hingham or Cohasset, had Origen, James, 
Thomas and Thankful. Origen, married Eunice Ripley of Windsor, 
1796 ; James, married Clarissa Arms of Deerfield, 1791 ; Thankful, 
a popular teacher for man}' years, mariied Dr. Bildad Curtis of 
Plainfield, in 1804, and removed to Marietta, Ohio. She died 1S61. 
"A woman of ability and greatly respected," was the testimony of 
her pastor. Rev. Wm. Wakefield. Thomas removed to Buckland. 

Children of Origen and Eunice Orcutt : Oiigen, Edward, Luther, 
Alvan, Sophia, Hudson, Zerviah, Laura. The children of James 
aPid Clarissa Orcutt were: Sophronia, Josiah, Wealthy. 

Edward was a well-to-do sort of a man, but had some ways of doing 
things that were different from the ways of the majority of people. 
While living at Cohasset his wife desired him to bring in a handful 
of wood. He went out without hat or coat, or word of dissent or ex- 
planation, came to Goshen, bought his land, returned home, and car- 
ried in his wood on his arrival. While clearing his land here he 
boarded with David Stearns. He went back to Cohasset at onetime 
leaving his coat at his boarding place here. Noticing it quite heavy 
it was found to contain a pocket full of silver money. He once 
spent nearly a day in the river towns trying to buy a pig of some one 
who would trust. At last he found a man ready to accept liis terms. 
He look the pig, paid dozen, and returned home, satisfied that his 
credit was eood, at least with one man. 

James Orr was of Scotch origin, honest clear through, quaint and 
bluff in manner. At the marriage of one of his daughters, the 
parson waited for the assent of the disconcerted groom. The old 
gentleman saw the dilemma, and at once broke the spell in his direct 
way, saying: "Nod your liead. Hall." 



160 HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. 

Friend Orr, married Polly Barney of Savoy, 1812 ; JeruslKi, mar- 
ried Aaron Hall of Cheshire, Nov. 28, 1805 ; Lydia, married Nathan 
Moigan of Pownal, Vt.^ July 4, 1793 ; Lucy, married Seth Ford of 
Plainfield, Jan. i, 1812 ; John, married Polly, daugliter of Stephen 
Warren. She died in 1S14, aged 21. 

Samuel Olds married Persis and was one of the pioneer set- 
tlers of the town. Children: Elias, born P^eb. 23, 177S; Abigail, 
married Daniel Ford, died Feb. S, 1859 ; Lucinda and Cynthia, twins, 
born March 17, 17S4 ; Moses and Aaron, twins, bf)rn and died 1788 ; 
Rev. Jason, married Matilda Ford, 18 17. 

Daniel Ford had a daughter Lucretia, who removed lo Plainfield 
and married. 

The Packard families of this town and vicinity, arc descended 
from Samuel, who sailed from Ipsvyich, England, and was in Hing- 
ham in 1638. He removed to West Bridgewater nnd had thirteen 
children. His son Zaccheus, had ist, Israel, father of Seth, who was 
father of Joshua, Sen., born April 20, 1741, who came to Goshen, and 
was the father of Caleb, Joshua and Willard. Seth had also Abner, 
who removed to Conway. 

Zaccheus had 2d, James, v.'ho married Jemima Keith, and had 
James, Jr., born 1724, who married Maiy Thayer. James and Mary 
were the parents of Content, born 1747, who maiiied Isaac King- 
man, 176S— the parents of Levi and Reuben Kingman. 

Zaccheus had 3d, John, the father of John and Barnabas of Plain- 
field ; and of Abel, who married Esther Porter. Abel and Esther 
were the parents of Abel, born 1754; Adam, born 1758, father of 
William and Pliilo , Theophilus, born 1769, married Mary Tirrell ; 
and Olive, born 1767, married Joseph Naramore of Goshen. 

Joshua Pachard, Sen., the pioneer, a soldier of the French and 
Indian, and Revolutionary wars, came from Bridgewater. His eldest 

daughter, Chloe, married Thwing ; Caleb, his son, removed to 

Plainfield ; Joshua, Jr., married Philena Richmond, Dec. 5, 1793, for 
first wife, Betsey Ingram, May 14, 1807, for his second; Willard, 
married Bathsheba Smith ; Lucindn, married Solomon Parsons ; 
Lavinia, mariied Ebenezer ('olson ; Hann^ih, married Versal Ban- 
ister, Feb. 19, 1793. Children of Joshua and Philena Packard : 
Horace, born Sept. 24, 1794; Philena, born April 10, 1796, married 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 161 

Allen Basse! t ; 'I'lieodocin, born Jan. g, 179S, married Levi Kingman; 
Leonard, born Feb. 21, iSor, married ]\LT.rtha Jenkins, and removed 
from town; Weallhy, born Nov. 18, 1802, married Augustine Streeter 
of Cummington ; Russell, born Jan. 9, 1806, removed to Troy. 

Children of Josliua and Betsey Packard : Geo. Austin, born 1S09, 
died l\Lay i, 1832 ; Marinet, married William Dawes ; Almond, 

removed from town ; Lucinda, married Pellon of Plainfield ; 

Miranda, married \A'illiam White of Plainfield ; Rodolphus, removed 
to New Ipswich, N. H. 

Capt. Horace Packard, married Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer 
White. Children : Edwin, born iSiS, died Nov. 28, 1837 ; Frebun 
W. ; Calvin A., born July 8, 1822 ; Calista, married first, Ezra Car- 
penter, second, Joseph T. Thayer ; Horace H. ; and two childien 
who died 1830. 

Frebun W. Packard, married Hannah, daughter of Rev. Sidney 
Holman, May 29, 1864. Children : Myra PL, born July 9, 1865 ; 
Frebun Sidney, born Aug. 24, 1867. 

Calvin A. Packard, married Wealtiiy, daughter of Moses Dresser, 
Jan. 15, 1852. Children : Howard, born Jan. 30, 1853 ; Martha, 
born July 14, — — . 

Horace H. Packard, married Julia F., daughter of Nelson i\L 
Hayden, Nov. 28, 1850. Child rci^. : Edwin B., born Dec. 2, 1851 ; 
Festus, born Feb. 24, 1857 ; Willie H., born Jan. i, 1859 ; Ella T., 
born Feb. 5, 1S61. 

Willard Packard, son of Josluia, Sen., married Bathsheba, daugh- 
ter of John Smith, May 30, 1805. Children : Cordelia, married 
Noah Hosford, April 9, 1828 ; William S. ; Edmund ; Julia, married 
De.vter Beals, Nov. 2, 1830 ; Malesla, married Randall Graves, Nov. 
7, 1839 j Willard, Jr., married Lucy Field of Buckland, died Aug. 20, 
1852 ; Emeline, married Josei:>h Hawks ; Hiram ; Freeman, married 
Ellen Parsons of Ohio, and removed to Kansas. 

Willi. nn S. Packard, married Lucy R., daugiiter of Reuben Smilli, 
May 2[, 1S40. Children; U'illiam S. ; Cordelia E., born March 2, 
1845, died 1846 ; INLaria A., born IMarch 10, 1847, married T. Ashton 
Orcuii; Ralph A. Packaid, borji June 16, 1850; Jennie S., born 
Aug. 7, 1S54. married Charles E. Brooks, No\*. 4, 1875. 

Edmund Packard married Mary P., daughter of Levi Eldredge, 
1S36, reiv.oved to Ashfield, afterwards to Easthampton and Boston, 
Children : Edmund T., born April 3, 1837 ; Henry, born Sept. 8, 



162 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

1843, ^'"^'^^ }^h' -°» 1S69, a young man of much promise ; Mary Lil- 
lian, born May 6, 1852, married L. F. Barrage, Jan. 14, 1875. ■'^^''■ 
Edmund Packard died March 8, 1868. His widow resides with her 
son, Edmund T., in Boston. 

Hiram Packard married Lurane A., daughter of David Carpenter, 
March 20, 1845. Children : Henry Wright, born July 31, 1846, went 
to Colorado ; Edward C, born Oct. 13, 1847 ; Charles F., born April 
9, 1850. 

Edward C. married Vesta C, daughter C)f George Dresser, Oct. 9, 
1875, and had Edward Wallace, boin July 23, 1876, and Lawrence 
A., born Aug. 26, 1878. 

When Joshua, Sen., returned from the army, he brought a l-irge 
powder horn, the gift of a comrade, on which was drawn, in good 
style, a map of one of the towns connected with Boston, showing the 
bridges, churches and many of the houses as they probably existed 
at that time. The horn is still possessed by his great-grandson, Cal- 
vin A. Packard. 

The following is copied from a newspaper of several years ago : 

The Packards are a thrifly, well-stocked race. Abel Packard, who settled at 
Cummington 100 years ago, has now posterity of over 350, scattered in 15 states of 
the Union. This Abe) was a great grandson of Samuel Packard, who settled in 
Plymouth, 18 years after the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620 ; and he is supposed to 
be ancestor of all the Packards in the country. His posterity is estimated to have 
multiplied in 236 years beyond 50,000. He had 12 children, all of whom had fami - 
lies. Several of his sons were soldiers in King Philip's war and aided in the pur- 
suit and conquest of that celebrated Indian Chief at Mt. Hope in 1676, 2C0 
years ago. 

The Parsons family descend from Joseph, supposed to have been, 
born near Farrington, Eng., in 1617, who was in Springfield in 1636, 
and in Nortliampton in 1655, where he served several years' as 
Selectman. His son, Joseph, born 1647, died 1729, had Ebenezer, 
born 1675, who married Mercy Stebbins, 1703, and had, among other 
children, Elihu, born 17 19, who married Sarah, daughter of Presi 
dent Edwards ; and Benjamin, born 1723, who married Rebekali 
Sheldon, and removed 'to Goshen, 1776. He died 1777. 

The children of Benjamin and Rebekah A. Parsons, were : ]^ ruslia, 
born Sept. 22, 1750, mai ried, first, Artemus Stone, second, Daniel 
Brown, third, Maj. Josiah Lyman; Ebenezer, born Dec. 26, 1751, 
married Eunice Clark; Mercy, born Nov. 29, 1753, married Jed. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 163 

Buckingham; Hannah, born July i, 1755, married Cyrus Lyon; 
Susannali, born Dec. i, 1757, niarried Col. Nehemiah May; Justin, 
born July 19, 1759, married first, Lucretia Parsons, daughter of 
Elilui, second, Electa Frary ; Silas, born Sept. 26, 1761, married 
Sarah Fisk ; S3lomon, born Aug. 28, 1763, married Lucinda Pack- 
ard, daughter of Josiuia ; Rebekah, Aug. 4, 1766, married Thad. 

Naramore ; Benjamin, born p^b. 20, 1769, married Stebbins of 

Springfield. 

Ebenezer Parsons removed to Hadley. Rev. Justin, besides Levi 
and Lucretia before named, had a son Ira who removed to Ohio, 
and a son Calvin, and daughter Electa, who died young, and were 
buried in this town. In 1817 the famdy undertook the education of 
a youth at Bombay, who received the name Calvin, in memory of 
their departed child. 

Silas Parsons married Sarah Fisk of Shelburne, aunt to Pliny 
Fisk, who went as missionary to Palestine with Rev. Levi Parsons. 
His children were: Seth ; Clarissa; David; Erastus, who became a 
preacher ; Austin ; Lina and 'I'heodocia. 

Children of Solomon and Lucinda Parsons : Theodore, born 
Sept. r4, 1791, died Jan. 19, 1865, married Pamela Partridge daugh- 
ter of Asa; Jerusha, born June 23, 1793, died Feb. 15, 1823, married 
Cyrus Joy ; VViilard, born July 20, 1795, married Tryphosa Naramore, 
June 6, 1820, daughter of Alpheus ; Eben'r, born Jan. 24, 1798, mar- 
ried Electa Naramore, daughter of Joseph ; Wealthy, born Feb. 25, 
iSoo, died Sept. 18, 1832, married Franklin Naramore; Lucinda, 
born April 12, 1802, married Francis Lyman; Lyman, born May i, 
1804, died Aug. 28, 1831. 

Benjamin Parsons, before entering the ministry, appears to have 
been a lawyer in Boston from 1809 to 1834. 

Children of Theodore and Pamela Parsons : Mary P., born ^Lircli 
1.4. 18 19, married R. F. Webster, Nov. 28, 1844; Lewis S., born Jan. 
2r, 1821, married Harriet N. Fuller, April, 1N43 ; Levi, born April 
8, 1823, married Harriet Luce, Jan., 1850; Henry, born May 2, 
1825 ; Frederick E., born June 17, 1827, died Dec. 14, 1851. 

Levi Parsons, son of Theodore, removed to Haydenville about 
1840, and became connected with Hon. Joel Hayden in the manu- 
facture of buttons. When the business was removed to Easthampton 
a few years later, he went with it, and held an important position in 



164 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

the company, under Hon. Samuel Williston. His health declining, he 
went South for its recovery in the winter of 1866, but, rapidly failing, 
he died on the passage liomeward, March 28, 1866. 

He was a man of unimpeachable integrity, kind hearted, unassum- 
ing, full of good works and universally respected and beloved. His 
eldest daughter, Alice Carey, born June 22, 185 1, graduate of Mt- 
Holyoke Female Seminary, 1S73, married Dr. W. O. Ballantine, 
missionary to India, Jan. 6, 1S75. They sailed from New York, Jan, 
23 ; arrived at Eombay, April 18. She died at Rahuri, Western 
India, Sept. 9, 1878, and was buried in the English cemetery at 
Ahmednuggar. She was an estimable young lad\', and secured the 
love and high respect of all the mission circle. Hattie, the only sur- 
viving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Parsons, resides with her mother at 
Easthampton. 

Dr. Ballantine was born in India, came to the United Stales when 
fifteen years of age to be educated, and graduated at Amherst 
College. 

Jerusha married Cvrus Joy, E^q., a lawyer of Northampton, and 
afterwards for a long period a teacher and resident of Philadelphia, 
where several of his family now leside. He died Dec. 14, 1870, in 
Goshen, where he .spent the !att r years of his life. 

The children of Cyrus and Jernslia Joy were : Julia Ann of Phila- 
delphia who has a summer rcsidLiice in Goshen — the parsonage built 
for Rev. J. C. Thompson ; Enulv, married Charles C, Grugan, a 
merchant of Philadelphia, died l''cb. 3, 1849, leaving several chil- 
dren ; Henrv, married Plan let Brown, resides iiear Rochester, N. Y. ; 
Charles ; Cyrus, Jr., died 1850. After the death of Mrs. Jerusha, Mr- 
Joy married again, and had several children who reside in Philad'a. 

Children of Willard and Tryphosa Pa 1 sons ; Sophia N., born 
April 15, 1821, married Amos. H. Stone; Alpheus N., born 
July 2, 1823, died April 29, 1851 ; Franklin, born Nov. 7, 1827, mar- 
ried Leonora Bartlett ; Julia, born Dec. 8, 1831, died March 29, 
1S63, married M. N. Hubbard ; Helen, born May 19, 1834, married 
Wm. Wells ; Lyman, born March i, 1839, married Octavia Fiench ; 
Edward, born Sept. 5, 1842, died Sept. 17, 1845. 

Ebenezer Parsons, son of Solomon, removed to Pittsfield, Ohio. He 
had Electa, born Sept. 21, 1824, who married S. D. Whitney. Eben- 
ezer married, second, Louisa Kingsburj';, and had George, Charles, 
Frank, Ellen (born 1837, married Freeman Packard), Annette, Julia, 
Emma, Helen. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 165 

Elihu Parsons, Jr., was son of Elihu, who was born in Northamp- 
ton, nvairied Sar.ih, the eldest daughter of President Edwards, and 
removed to Stockbridge. Elihu, Jr., married Rhoda Hinsdale, said 
to have been the ilrst person born in Lenox, and removed to Goslien 
probably about 1796. His mother, Sarah Edwards, resided witli him 
liere till her dti'ih. May 15, 1805. 

Children of Elihu Parsons, Jr. : Esther, born Nov. 19, 1783, mar- 
ried Ebenezer Healey, Jr., May 5, 1813 ; (Clarissa, born March 26, 
17S6, died, unmarried, Dec. 16, 1852 , Dea. Stephen, born July 12, 
1788, died May 27, 183S; Eunice, born June 24, 1791 ; Sarah, born 
Oct. 9, 1799. 

Dea. Stephen Parsons married Mary Eldredge of Ashfield. Chil- 
dren : Eunice, born March 18, 1813 ; Alvan, born July iS, 1817, 
resides in Buckland ; Rhoda, born Dec. 5, 1819, married Jonathan 
Sears, Jr , March 20, 1845, *^^'^^ J"b' ^7> ^^5°- 

Eunice married Freeman Sears, Nov. 27, 1834. Cliildren : Ellen, 
born Oct. 21, 1S35, ^^^^-^ ^^^- 26, 1854; Mary, born Sept. 6, 1837, 
died May 27. 1S61 ; Olive, born Jan 20, 1840, married Henry C. 
Howland. Jan. 14, i860, and removed to Oiiio ; F. Willis, born Aug. 
21, 1842, married Katie Sidell ; Milton F., born March 21, 1845 
married Elizabeth H. Shaw, Dec. 31, 1872 ; Chloe Edna, born Nov. 
13, 1847. Mi'-s. Eunice died Aug. 15, 1^50. 

Mr Sears married, second, Mrs. Angeline Coney, 1851. Children : 
Frank Graham, born May 13, 1852, married Etta F. Wildman ; Geo. 
Herberr, born April 16, 1S54 ; Jessie Fremont, born May 27, 1856; 
Charles F., born June 29, 1859. 

Asa Partridge, from Holland, Mass., brother of Major Stone's 
wife, was born Oct., 1771, married, first, Mary Bales, second. Electa 
Stearns, widow of Elihu Hubbard, 1825. Asa died Feb., 1847. 

Children : Eli, born Jan. 2, 1794, married Lucy Look; Asa, born 
Oct. 8, 1800, mani'd, first, Mary Benton, second, Julia Norton; 
Pamela, b )rn June 12, 1796, married Theodore Parsons, died March 
9, 1843 ; Elinina, born Feb. 3, 1803, married Eno^ T.iylor ; Sher- 
man, born April 5, 1805. 

"Uncle Asa,'' as he was usually called, was a man of ready wit. 
He was once at Saratoga Springs for the benefit of his health. One 
earlv morning while out with a cane in each hand to aid him in walk- 
in <■, he met another valetudinarian in similar condition. In com- 



166 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

paring notes the other inquires of Partridge: "What ails you?" 
"Rlieumatism."' "Ah, yes — original si/i,''' responded the satisfied 
querist. "And what is your trouble ?" says Partridge. "Gout." 
"Ah, yes — I see — actual iransgressio/i,'" was Partridge's conclusive 
retort. 

Dr. Daniel Pierce of Peru, married Abigail, daughter of Lieut. 
^I'iniothy Lyman. 

Children : Levi L. lived for several years during his minority with 
his uncle — Col. Timothy Lyman. He married a niece of P. T. Bar- 
num, and was his general business agent for several years. He 
visited Europe with Gen. Tom Thuml) and wife, and aided them in 
making a very successful tour, reluming in 1859. While there he 
married his second wife, an amiable and cultivated Scotch lady. 
They have since resided in Greentield. Francis M., married Cath- 
erine White, daughter of Elias and Hannah, May 3, 1S49, and 
removed to Wisconsin; Daniel, Jr., died Oct. 17, 1846, aged 26; 
Caroline, the elde'^t daughter, married Leander S. Cooper of Peru, 
Oct., 1836; Rosamond, married Chas. C. Parish of Wortliingtoh, 
1841 ; Martha L., mariied Nelson Brown of Cummingtoii, May 11, 
1853 ; Timothy Dwight married and removed to Deei field. (See 
"Physicians.") 

Ebenezer Putney, born Oct., 1740, at Charlton, came iiere 1762, 
and served in the army of the Revolution, where he received a Lieu- 
tenain's commission. He died Jan. 14, 1S02. His children who 
lived to mature years were : Joseph, Elisha, Nahum, Moses, John, 
Amasa, Polly and Hannah. Nahum was drowned in Lake Erie. 
Elisha served in the war of 1812, and while out with a scouting party 
near Detroit, was killed by the enemy, while stopping to aid a com- 
panion who was fatally wounded a moment before. Joseph, who 
died in 1841, was father of Emmons Putney. 

Ebenezer Putney married Susannah French. The records of the 
town give the following list of their children : 

Mary, born Feb. 12, 1774, died Sent. 9, 1777 ; Hannah, born July 
16, J775, died Sept. 3, 1777 ; Joseph, born May 11, 1777, married 
Naomi, daughter of Dea. Oliver Taylor, .April 5, 1798 ; Polly, born 
March 25, 1779, mariied John Salmon ; Hannah, born Feb. iS, 17S1, 
married John Smith, Jr. ; Elisha, born Feb. 27, 1784, killed in war ; 
Nahum, born July 17, 1787, drowned ; Moses, born Nov. 27, 1790, 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 167 

married Sally Hubbard ; John, boni March 21, 1792, married Susan 
Taylor of \Vorlhin;;ton ; Amasa, born April i r, 1796, married Lucre- 
lia Torrey. 

ChiUlreu of Joseph and Naomi (Taylor) Putney : Kmmons, born 
Sept. 28, 1799, married, first, Orpha, daughter of Dr. Robert Stark- 
weather of Chesterfield, 1S25. She died July 14, 1865, and Mr. 
Putney married, second, in 1867, Mrs. Helen Walkley, who died Jan, 
27, 1S6S, he niariicd, liiird, Sophia G. VValkins, June 20, 1875 ; 
Arthur, born Dec. 7, j8oo ; Susan, born Feb. 17, 1803, died May 22, 
1S42 ; Lilly, born Au; 1 N, 1S05, married Jonathan Hunt, July 19, 
182S, died in Ypsilant', Mich., Sept. 23, 1875, buried in Goshen ; 
Calvin, born Dec. 13, 1S07; Naomi born Dec. 14, 1810, married 
Alvin Hall; Joseph, born Nov. 28, 1814; Electa, born March rS, 
1817, married Lowell Hunt, Nov. 5, 1840 ; H. Maria, born Feb. 24, 
1821. 

Children of John and Susan Putney : Lorenzo, Wealthy, Alonzo, 
Henry and Orplia E. Orpha E., the adopted daughter of Mr. 
Emmons Putney, mariied Wm. E. Johnson, May 3, 1S54. Mrs. 
Susan died Nov. 28, 1869. 

Ebenezer Putney, 2d, son of Elisha and Martha, came from Charl- 
ton, lived for some time with his uncle Ebenezer, married Molly, 
dau};hter of John Smith, June 23, 179 i, removed to "Paddy Hill" in 
the southwest part of Ashfield, and afterwards into Goshen. 

Children: Zadoc ; Nahum ; Polly, who married Moses Belding ; 
Loiza, who married Hattil Washburn, Jr. ; Alma and Climena, older 
daughters, who married Barnabas Hall ; and Sarah, who married 
Levi Eldredge of Hawley. Tiie children of Moses Belding were : 
Frederick W., who mariied D. Chloe Dresser; Franklin, of New 
Jersey; Clarinda and Sarah died young; Hiram, of Bleeker, N.Y., 
and Putney. 

Patty Putney, sister of Ebenezer, 2d, married Hattil Washburn, 
Sen. 

Zadoc Putney married Jerusha Belding, and had Harriet, who 
married Chandler Robbins ; Charles; Alonzo; Norman; Zadoc; 
Maria, who married Luther Ranney; Jerusha. 

Naiuim Putney mariied Charlotte Eement of Ashfield. Ebenezer, 
2d, died at the West. 

David Stearns, the pioneer settler, marrierl Hannah, born March, 
1732, daughter of John Burneil, who is said to have come from Wales, 



168 HISTOEY OF GOSHEX. 

and married MebJtabel Edmonds of Lynn, who died in Feb., 1769, 
aged 74. Joseph Burnell, son of John, brother of Stearns's wife, 
was one of the first settlers of Chesterfield, and married Hannah 
Tucker (daughter of Ephraim), who was born in Milton, Apiil 18, 
1726. Abijah Tucker, who came to Goshen with D.ivid Stearns, was 
brother of Joseph Burnell's wife. Tucker, after a few 3-iais, removed 
from here to Harchvick. Joseph Burnell had John, who married 

Banister; Mary, who married Reuben Dresser, Sen.; Mis. 

Richard Sylvester; Capt. Joseph of Chesterfield; Ephraim and 
Manasseh, of Cummington. 

Ebenezer Stearns, father of David, married Martha Bumap of 
Reading, Oct. 25, 17 17. 

Children : Ebenezer, born Feb. 26, 1720 ; Elizabeth, born Aug. 
14, 172 I ; John, of Belchertown, born Feb. 10, 1723 ; Jonathan, born 
June 26, 1725 ; Hannah, born Jan. 27, 1727 ; David, born March 25, 
1729 ; Mary, born Oct. 27, 17.30; Sarah, born May 11, 1732 ; Bethiah, 
born June 7, 1734 ; Thomas, born Feb. 16, 1736 ; Reuben, born 
June 21, 1737. 

Ebenezer, jr. died in garrison at Lake George in the French War. 
David was also in the service, and belonged to Capt. John Catlin's 
company. 

The children of David and Hannah (Burnell) Stearns were : 
David, born July 26, 1757 ; Lemuel, born March 17, 1759; John, 
born in Dudley, Feb. 22, 1761, and the family removed the same 
year to this town ; Samuel, was born March 25, 1763, the first white 
male child in the new settlement; Cyrus vvas born March 26, 1765, 
died here March 25, 1855; Joseph, was born June 30, 1768, 
married Sarah Thatcher of Conway, 1792 ; Hannah, bo.'n Nov. 17, 
1770, married Daniel Beals ; IVLary, born April 17, 1774- 

David and his three sons, David, Jr., Lemuel and John, were sol- 
diers in the Revolution. John married Abigail, daughter of Abishai 
Williams, and had Abigail, born March 17, 1791 ; John, born June 
21, 1793; and Abishai W., born March 12, 1796. John, the father, 
died April 14, 1801. 

David Stearns, Sen., died Feb. -28, 1788. Hannah Burnell, his 
wife, married, second, Capt. Elisha Cranson of Ashfield, Jan. 20, 
1792. He died April 18, 1804, aged 84 years. She afterward lived 
for some years in New York state, then returned to Goshen and 
resided with her daughter, Mrs. Daniel Beah, her old home, till her 
death, which occurred Dec, 1827, in the 96th year of her age. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 169 

Cyrus Stearns, son of Davici, nianied Sarah, daughter of Capt. 
Thomas Weeks, Jan. 4, 1781. 

Children : Electa, born Sept. 20, 178S, married, first, Elihu Hub- 
bard, 1808, second, Asa Partridge, Sept. 14, 1825. She died Feb. 
13, 1858. Ezra, born Feb. 14, 1793, married, 1813, Esther, daughter 
of Rev. David Todd of Chesterfield. They had one son, Ezra, Jr. 
Ezra, Sen., died Oct. 20, 1814, while serving as a soldier. Enos, 
born Feb. 25, 1794, married Lucinda Hubbard, and had Caroline, 
Levi, Hamilton, Lucinda, Cyrus and Sarah, twins. He died at 
Wells, New York, July 17, 1S50. Levi, born June 19, 1796, married 
Hannah Phillips, 1820 (pub. July 2), and had Liscom, Thomas, 
Amelia, and other children. They removed to Oak Creek, Wis., 
where Mrs. Stearns died Jan. 14, 1857. Thomas Weeks, born May 
12, 1799, married Mrs. Susan (Reed) Pettengill. Their children 
were: Chester, born 1827, died 1838; Edward, married Gard- 
ner, May 24, 1854; Sarah, born ALay 25, 1834, married E. W. Van 
Houlen, Newark, N. J., where she died Dec. 27, 1853. Elizabeth 
married John Van Houten, May 25, 1854, and resided in Newark. 
Edward married and removed with his parents from Newark to 
Evansville, Wis. Almeda, born Dec. 14, 1802, married Levi Barrus, 
182 1, died Sep'.. 4, 1850, on the farm where she was born. Cyrus, 
born June 15, 1808, married Lucy Reed, died Sept. 28, 1872, in 
western New York. Alanson, born Oct. 31, 1810, married Eliza A. 
Duinbolton, 1834, and had James and John, twins, born 1835 j Ezra, 
born 1836 ; Ellen, born 1839 ; Edwin, Carrie, Fred, Ernest. He 
removed to Grass Lake, Mich., where he was a deacon of the Bap- 
tist church. He, with one or his sons, aged 13 years, and hired man, 
were drowned jNIay 28, 1870, in Grass Lake, by the upsetting of a 
boat in which they were fishing, while waiting an opportunity to 
wash their sheep. 

The children of Electa Stearns and Elihu Hubbard, Jr., who died 
March 22, 1824, aged 36, were : Pamela, who married Dryden Dawes, 
Nov. 28, 1827 ; Electa, who married Daniel W. Reed, Aug. 7, 1833, 
died Aug., 1873, aged 61 ; Luc}', died ALarch 13, 1835, «iged 25 
years ; Daniel, died Aug. 22, aged 32 years ; Elihu, died unmarried j 
Joseph, married and lived in Buckland, and had several children. 

The children of Electa and Asa Partridge were : Amanda, born 
.'Vug. 27, 1826 ; and Sarah Melinda, born May 22, 1829, married 
is.e(;d, died Mav 6, 1868. 



170 HISTORY OF goshe:n^. 

Elihu Hubbard, Sen., died Jan. 26, 1805. 

The children of Pamela and Diyden Dawes were : Edmund, Mary 
Amelia, Joseph, Elihu, Charles, George, born June 15, 1847 j Emma. 
Mr. Dawes removed to Manchester, Mich. 

Reuben Smith came from Amherst about 1812. His wife was 
Margaret, daughter of Richard Carpenter. 

Children : Elizabeth, who married Elijah Billings ; John Milton ; 
Sophia ; Hannah C, who married Elijah bhaw ; Lucy R., who mar- 
ried Wm. S. Packard ; Ralph Erslcine. 

John M. Smith married Oira Dickinson of Amherst, June 25, 1833. 
Children: Ellen Eliza, born March 24, married R. C. Alison, Jan. 
12, i860; Henry Billings, born Oct. 19, 1835, married Julia, daugh- 
ter of Maj. Joseph Hawks, Feb. 25, 1866 ; Sophia E, born Jan. 21, 
1838, died young; Mary Leora, born March 28, 1840, married Rev. 
J. C. Houghton ; Harriet T., born March 16, 1843, died young; Ed- 
ward M., born Oct. 30, 1847, married Helen M., daughter of C. C. 
Dresser, Dec. 19, 1870. Mr. Smith has resided for several years in 
Sunderland. 

Ralph E. Smith married, first, Jane Gray, 1845, second, Rosa- 
mond Taylor of Buckland, April 26, 1S54, and removed to Goshen. 

Children: Alvah ; Edwin B., born July 21, 1859; Willis A., born 
Dec. 18, 1861 ; Jane G., born Oct. 27, 1863. 

Hannah C. married Elijah Shaw of Buckland, Nov. 28, 1838, and 
had Elijah ; Fannie E., who married Jonathan Temple of Reading ; 
Lizzie H., who married Milton F. Sears ; William I\. 

John Smith, from Killingl}', Conn , removed here about 1768. He 
had two sons and eight daughters. Hannah, born 1766, married 
Hezekiah Coggswell of Chesterfield, April 17, 1791 ; Sarah, married 
Nathan Halbert, Dec. 10, 1789, died 1791 ; Mary, married Ebenezer 
Putney, 2d, died 1834; Cynthia, mai ried Bassome Whitney, Oct. 6, 
1791 ; Deborah Whitney married John Williams, Dec. 24, 1795, and 
was the donor of the Fund of $5,000 to the Congregational Society, 
born Dec. 5, 1773, died Sept. 19, 1859 ; Bathsheba, born Dec. 3, 1777, 
married Willaid Packard, died March 26, 1853 ; John Smith, mis- 
sionary to the Ci:ioctaws, born Feb. 14, 1780, died in Mississippi, 
March 28, 1845 J Anna, born Feb. 19, 1782 ; Dorcas, born Oct. 28, 
1784, married Thomas l-yman. Five of the sisters above named, 
ranging in age from 60 to 73 years, meeting for the first time for a 



HISTORY or GO.SIIEX. 171 

long period, attended church in this town, and occupied the same 
pew during a Sabbatti in the summer of 1844. It was an interesting 
sight, and rendered still more impressive from the fact that four were 
widows and the fifth was unmarried. 

John Smith, Sen., died May 16, 1822, aged 86; Sarah, his wife, 
Jan. 3, 1827, aged 82. 

Major Ambrose Stone, a resident of the town for seventy years, 
was bom in Harvard, April 21, 1757. His pilgrim ancestor, Dea. 
Simon Stone, born 1585, came to New England in 1635, ^^'^'^'^ '''^ 
wife, Joan, daughter of William Clark, and four children : Frances, 
born i6ig, married Rev. Thomas Green, first minister in Reading; 

Ann, born 1624, married Orne ; Simon, born 163 1, married 

Mary Whipple; Mary, born 1632, married Nathaniel Steams. Dea. 
Simon settled in W^atertown, and had John, born 1635 '> '"'^^ Eliza- 
beth, born 1639. Simon, Jr., had eleven children, of whom Rev. 
Nathaniel graduated at Harvard, i6go, settled in Harwich, and mar- 
ried a daughter of Gov. Hinckley. Simon, another son, removed to 
Groton. It was probably of this third Simon of whom Cotton 
Mather, in his Mag)ialia, says : "Simon Stone was shot in nine places, 
and as he lay for dead the Indians made two hacks with a hatchet 
to cut his head off." He got well, however, and was a. lusty fellow 
in Mather's time. He had nine children, one of whom, Simon 

fourth, a deacon, removed to Harvard, married Sarah , and 

had Simon, fifth, also deacon, born Sept. 10, 17 14, died in Green- 
wich about 1785; Ephraim, born Jan. 2, 1716; Oliver, born Jan. 
20, 1720; Sarah, born Jan. 27, 1722; Isaac, born Fet>. 17, 1724; 
Hannah, born April 18, 1726 ; Elias, of Coleraine, born April 2, 
1728 ; Amos, born Sept. 9, 1729, married Edna, daughter of Ambrose 
Hale, Feb. 27, 1753, removed to Rodman, N. Y., where he died in 
1804. 

Major Ambrose Stone said there were other sons : Micah, who 
lived near Boston ; Israel and Aaron of Genesse county, N. Y. ; 
Abner, High Sheriff of Monroe Co., N. Y.. and Moses. 'I'lie daugh- 
ters married Ray and Clelland, and lived near Israel. 

Solomon, another son, was killed in war. 

Ciiildren of Amos and Edna ('Hale) Stone : Ambrose of Goshen, 
born in Harvard, April 21, 1757 ; Amos of Urbanna, Steuben Co., 
N. Y., born Sept. 28, 1759 ; Hannah, born Feb. 26, 1762, died 17S7, 



172 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

in Ware ; Charles, died in Adams, N. Y., agefi 80 years ; Hiildah, 

born 1764, married Keene, lived at "Mt. Morris, N. Y. ; Cyrus, 

died in Hanover, Ind., about 1833 ; Manasseh, born 1773, died in Cas- 
tleton, N. Y., 1804; Oliver, born 1775, died in Darien, N. Y,, had 
Francis, a teacher, and two daughters; Ashbel jesided in Freeport, 
Ind.; Arnold, born 1777, was named by liis brother Ambiose, who had 
served under Benedict Arnold, who at that time was in high esteem 
for courage and bravery. Arnold Stone resided in Rodman, N. Y., 
and visited his relatives in Goshen for the last time in 1858, in com- 
pany with his son Joseph of Pawtucket, He had eleven children, of 
whom Cyrus Hale, born 1813, and Orin, born 1821, were lawyers; 
Oliver, born 1S61, railroad agent in California; Ashbel, born 1818, 
a physician in London, C. W. 

Major Ambrose and Katherine (Partridge) Stone were married 
July 8, 1783. She was born in Brookfield, Jan. 16, 1762, died 
Dec. 5, 1851. 
Children : Pamela, born May 5, and died July 27, 1784. 

" Alvan, born July 21, 1785, died Jan. 24, 1804. 

" Luther, born March 17, 1788, died July 2, 1875. 

" Rachel, born Sept. 5, 1790, died Nov. 12, 1875. 

" Ambrose, born May 17, 1793, died April 2, 1863. 

" Hannah, born Dec. 10, 1795, died Aug. 21, 1875. 

" Frederick P., born Nov. 2, 1798, died Aug. 14, 1841. 

" Pamela, born May 24, 1801, died Aug. 16, 1823. 

" Alvey, born March 14, 1S04, died Jan. 19, 1824. 

" Alvan, born Aug. 15, 1807, died Feb. 13, 1833. 

The following obituary notice of Major Stone was published in the 
Han ipsh ire (i alette: 

Died in Goshen, March iS, 185®, Major Ambrose Stone, aged nearly 93 years. 
Major Stone was a man whose sterling worth deserves more than a passing notice. 
In whatever sphere he acted, the same prompt, energetic, independent course, char- 
acterized him. Consistent, benevolent, and of strict integrity, few have been more 
respected, or more beloved. Possessing an ardent love of liberty, he entered the 
Revolutionary army at Boston, in April, 1776, under command of Gen. Ward. In 
the month of August following, he went to Ticonderoga, and from thence down the 
Lake, under command of Arnold. During the skirmishing upon the Lake, the 
Americans being overpowered by superior force, Arnold run his vessels ashore and 
burnt them. One of them however, containing seven or eight men. Major S. among 
the number, succeeded in saving their vessel from the enemy, by rowing out of their 



HISTORY OF GOSIIEX. 1715 

reach. The Briiisli fired one lound after them and gave up the chase. He 
remained in the army till January of the fullowing year and then returncil to his 
home in Greenwich, now Enfield Center. After the surrender of Ticonderoga, he 
again joined the army and was at the taking of Burgoyne. He went into winter 
quarters at Valley Forge and remained till February, when he left the army. 

In April, 17S0, he came to Goshen and built a fulling mill, which constituted, at 
that day, all the water machinery used in the clothiers' business. Carding, spinning 
weaving and dressing cloth were all dons by hand. 

He had filled the most important offices in the gift of his townsmen, with honor 
to himself and satisfacto; ily to them. In 1S03, he was appointed Coroner by Gov. 
!~'trong, which office he held during life. 

As an evidence of the conscientious discharge of his duty, it may be remarked, 
that he has voted at every election of Governor and President, since the adoption of 
the State and Federal constitutions. He has been a subscriber to the Hampshire 
Gazette ever since the issue of the first number to the time of his decease, a period 
of more than 63 years. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss, with whom he lived 
for sixty-seven years. 

Though not a member of a church, his consistent life and religious habits leave 
the ho]:)e to his friends, that he was prepared for a better world. During his last 
illness, which at times was very distressing, not a murmur escaped him. He finally 
expired witliout a struggle or groan. 

"Night dews fall not more gently to the ground, 

Nor weary worn-out winds expiie so soft." CoJI. 

Col. Luther Stone, bom 1788, married Mary, daughter of IMahichi 
Jenkens, Sen., of Cummington, Oct. 24., 1816. She was born inAbing- 
ton, Jan. 25, 1795, died in consequence of being struck by lightning, 
July 16, 1866 

Children : Amos Hale, born Sept 26, 181 7 ; Augusta, born June 2, 
1S19; Sophia, born Marcii, 1821, died May 28, 1826; Edna, born 
Jan. 16, 1823, died Dec. 10, 1840 j Alvey, born Jan. 17, 1825, mar- 
ried George Dresser; Sophia, born May 15, 1828, married P'rederic 
S Hillings; Pamela, born July 27, 1836, died Jan. 22, 1846. 

The following obituary notice of Col. Stone was published at his 
decease : 

Another aged citizen of Goshen, Col. Luther Stone, passed away July 2, 1^75. 
He was the second son of Major Ambrose and Mrs. Kathcrine (Paitridge^ Stone, 
and was born in Goshen, March 17, 17SS. There is probably no other 
person living who has been so long and so thoroughly identified with th*? 
business interests of the town. He was early engaged with his father in carrying on 
the business of wool-carding and cloth-dres>ing, their works having been among the 
earliest, in this vicinity. In the war of 1S12, they supplied a large amount of cloth 
for army purposes. The increase in the number of similar fciciories caused this 



174 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

business to be given up, and in 1S29, in company with his brother, F. P. Stone, he 
erected the well-known "Stones' Mills" and commenced the manufacture of broom 
and brush handles by machinery. They were among the first to engage in this busi- 
ness, and employed a number of hands in its prosecution, for many years, and the 
business is still continued, to a limited extent, on the same premises. 

He was often elected on the board of selectmen of the town, and served in this 
capacity fifteen years between 1820 and 1844. He represented the town in the 
Legislatures of 1S39 and 1849. I^" t'le latter year he served on the committee on 
military affairs, of which Gen. Schooler was chairman. He was often employed in 
the settlement of estates, in his own and adjoining towns, and took a deep interest 
in all matters affecting the interests of his town, county, state and country. He 
never shirked his duty, in any department of life. Although not a church member, 
it was a principle with him to do his share towards the support of the Gospel, and 
probably no person in the town has done more, pecuniarily, for its religious inter- 
ests than he has. 

He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1S3S, by Gov. Everett, and was re-com- 
missioned by Gov. Briggs in 1845 > ^V Gov. Boutwell in 1S52; by Gov. Banks in 
1859. He held this office twenty-eight years. He took a special interest in mili- 
tary affairs, and was for many years connected with a cavalry company composed of 
citizens of his own and neighboring towns, of which he was chosen captain in 182 1. 
He became, in 1S24, Colonel of the Regiment to which his com]:)any belonged, 
receiving a commission from Gov. Eustis. He resigned m 1826, and received an 
honorable discharge. 

He was fearless and outspoken in his opinions, never did a mean thing or sought 
to evade any responsibility. He was a careful observer of passing events, and kept 
well posted in the facts that show the world's progress. 

He was a man of excellent judgment, and never hesitated to act in accordance 
with its dictates. He voted while a member of the Legislature in 1839, to loan the 
credit of the state to assist the Western railroad. This act was much criticised, at 
the time, by many, who urged that, by it "ail the farms in the state were mort- 
gaged." But the results have proved the wisdom of those who foresaw them, and 
made possible the completion of the great work at that early date. 

He read the Boston daily papers with no diminution of interest till with!n a few 
weeks of his death, when increasing' infirmities compelled him to lay them aside, 
saying, he only felt able to read the Hampsliire Gazette, which he desired to do in 
order to keep up his knowledge of events transpiring near home. The Gazette has 
always been taken in his family, his father having been a subscriber from its first 
issue. 

Colonel Stone was a man of kindly feelings, sympathetic and benevolent. He 
was among the first to visit and aid the sick and afflicted, whether they reckoned 
themselves among his friends or his enemies. 

In his later years the concerns of the future impressed themselves upon his mind 
with increasing force, and his friends are consoled with the thought that he has en- 
tered into the rest that remaineth for the people of God. 

His funeral was attended at his late residence, last Sunday, P. m. The exercises 
were conducted by Rev. Mr. Juchau, assisted by Rev. Edward Clarke of Chesterfield. 




Albortype— Forbes C"., Boston 



COL. LUTHER STONE. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 175 

Appropriate reference was made to the life and character of the deceased, his firm 
integrity, his love of all that was right and true, and the controlling influence he had 
long exerted in the community where he lived. It was remarked by one that, "un- 
der what might be thought a little roughness of expression, he had the kindest 
heart he ever knew.'' The large number in attendance bore witness te the respect 
in which he was held. 

Amos H. Stone, only son of Col. Luther, born 1817, married first, 
Martha, daughter of Jacob Dyer, Nov. 16, 1843, and had Martha, 
born Sept. 11, 1S44, who jiiarried Henry Bush. Mr. Stone married 
second, Sophia M., daughter of Willard Parsons, March 23, 1847. 
Children : Edward G., born Oct 12, 1848 ; Ambrose E., born Oct. 17, 
1850; Frank A., born May 20, 1853; Julia A., born Feb. 14, 1856; 
Mary S., born April 23, i860 ; Frederick P., born March 10, 1862. 

Ambrose E., son of Amos H., graduate of Yale College, 1874; was 
teacher several years in New York; married Katie O. Catterlin, Aug. 
25, 1879, is now a lawyer in New York. 

Ambrose Stone, Jr., son of Major Stone, born 1793, married first, 
Nancy, daughter of Oliver Edwards, Sen , of Chesterfield, and had 
several children, most of them died young. Ann Eliza, aged 18, died 
in 1840; Alvan Alexis, grew up to manhood, leinoved to the West, 
married, and became superintending engineer for one or more rail- 
roads. He was soon after killed by a blow from the recoil of a cable 
rope which parted under severe tension, while replacing cars that 
had been thrown from the track. 

Ambrose, Jr., resided for many years in U'illiamsburgh and manu- 
factured woolen cloths where H. L. James now has a factory. He 
was an esteemed citizen, and was a member of the Legislature for one 
or two terms. He resided in Easthampton from 1847 till his decease. 
He married second, Ardelia Bardwell, and had Nancy, born 1837, 
who died in the morning of life ; and Frederick P., born in Goshen, 
Sept. 5, 1844, enlisted from Easthampton as a soldier in the civil 
war, died in the rebel prison at Andersonville. 

Frederick P. Stone, son of the Major, born 1798, married Lucy M. 
Smith of Whateley, Oct. 1833. He was a very public spirited n»an 
like his brothers, whole souled, genial, above reproach in all things 
and universally respected. He died in the midst of his usefulness, 
leaving many to mourn his early departure. 

Major Stone, the father, and each of his three sons who came to 
full maturity of manhood, Luther, Ambrose, and Frederick P., served 
one or more terms in the Legislature. 



176 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

Dea. ArteniLis Stone was probably a descendant of Dea. Gregory 
Stone, a younger brother of Dea. Simon. Dea. Gregory had a son 
Dea. Samuel, who also had a son Dea. Samuel. Dea. Samuel, Jr., 
had a son Joseph, born 1(389, died 1753, who had Joseph of Brook- 
field, born 17 14, who married Sarah Potter, 1744,. and had Elizabeth, 
Silas, Dea. Artemas, Sarah, Joseph, Olive, Jonas, Silvanus. 

Joseph, Jr., 3d, was of Shrewsbury, married Lydia Rice, Nov. 18, 
1772, and had Sarah, Luke, Lewis, Eunice, Relief who married Seth 
White, Lucy who married Silas Burgess, and Joseph. 

Dea. Artemas, son of Joseph, Jr., 2d, married Jerusha Parsons, 
sister of Rev. Justin, and had Sarah, born about 1775, died June 17, 
1790; Wealthy, born 1779, died Nov. 23, 1799; Lydia, born 1782, 
died Nov. ii^ 1787 ; Levi, born 1784, died Dec. 9, 1787 ; Theodo- 
cia, born 1786, married Rev. Rufus Cushman. Dea. Artemas died 
Sept. 16, 1790, aged 43. Jerusha, his widow, married, second, 
Daniel Brown, Sept. i, 1796; third. Major Josiah Lyman, April 10, 
1803. He died Nov. 18, 1822, aged 87, and she removed to Fair- 
haven, Vt., and probably spent the remainder of her days with her 
daughter, Mrs. Rufus Cushman. 

Silvenus Stone, probably the younger brother of Dea. Artemas, 
married Asenath, the daughter of Lieut. Lemuel Lyon (published 
Oct. 4, 1785), and afterwards removed to Wiiliamstown, where he 
kept a hotel for many years. His children were : Silas, who con- 
tinued the hotel, and died in Wiiliamstown ; Chester, who removed 
to Bennington, Vt. ; Pomeroy, who removed West, dealt largely in 

grain and became wealthy. A daughter of Silvenus married 

Hale. 

Deacon Oliver Taylor was born in Brookfield, June 12, 1748, came 
to Goshen in 1771, married Lilley Beals; 1774, and had three chil- 
dren : Polly, Naomi and Oliver. 

Polly married Gershom Cathcart, March 19, 1794, and had Oliver 
T., father of Thomas M. ; John E. ; Wealthy; Tryphena, who mar- 
ried Capt. George Abell, 1830; Polly, who married William Tilton, 
Dec. 25, i860. 

Naomi married Joseph Putney and died here. Oliver Taylor, Jr., 
married, first, Asenath Baker, Jan. 29, 180 1, and second, Eleanor 
King, July 8, 18 13, and removed to the West. His son Charles lives 
in Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dea. Taylor was long a prominent man here, both in municipal 
and ecclesiastical affairs. As the leading officer in the church his 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 177 

course was marked by the conscientious discharge of his duty under 
all circumstances. He was a man of positive character, and evi- 
dently had much influence in keeping the sentiments of the church 
close up to the prevailing orthodox standard. If there was any 
lack of a tolerant spirit in him, it was evidently not because he loved 
his neighbor less but the truth more. He served faithfully also in 
town affairs, and was honored by frequent elections to positions of 
trust. 

Salathiel Tilton was one of the early settlers here, and united with 
the church in 1789. He was son of Josiah, son of Samuel, son of 
William of Lynn, who came from England about 1640. The chil- 
dren of Salathiel and Eunice Tilton were : Eunice, who married 
Erastus Gleason of Plainfield, Oct. 5, 1808 ; Josiah, who married 
Mrs. Polly Tilton of Chihnark, 1815 ; Benjamin, who married, first, 
Clemina Warner of Williamsburgh, 1819, second, Mary Clark; 
Electa, who married Eli Judd of Northampton, May 30, 1826 ; Wil- 
liam, who married, first, Aurelia Converse, April 13, 1826, second, 
Polly Cathcart, Dec. 25, i860 ; Stephen West, who married Nancy 
Ames, 1830. Mr. Salathiel Tilton died March 30, 1842, aged 84. 
His wife, Eunice, died 1818. 

Benjamin and Clemina Tilton had AVarner, Eunice, and perhaps 
another. Removed to South Deerfield. 

William and Aurelia Tilton Iiad Sophia, who married Samuel A. 
Merritt, April 12, 1856; Mary S., who married John L. Godfrey, 
Mav 24, 1854 ; Sarah C, who married Israel Graves, Jr., of North- 
ampton, Jan. I, 1861 ; Spencer Tilton, unmarried, resides on the 
old homestead. William, the father, died Oct. 15, 1869, aged 76. 

Children of Stephen West and Nancy Tilton : Dea. Henry H., 
who married Julia E. Snow, May 25, 1857, and removed to Williams- 
burgh. One of his children and the mother of his wife were 
drowned May 16, 1874, in the fearful flood caused by the breaking 
away of the reservoir in Williamsburgh. More than one Inindrtd 
and fifty others were drowned at the same time, and many dwelllHg- 
houses and mills were entirely swept away. 

Einma W., the eldest daughter of S. W. and Nancy, married 
Avery W. Adams, May 25, 1854, and removed to Faribault, Minn. ; 
Vasti removed to Conway, and married Howland ; Susan, mar- 
ried ; George, who left his studies and enlisted in the First 



178 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Mass. Cavalry, Aug. 1S62, died Dec. 21, 1863, of wounds received at 
Fredericksburg. Jolin, the youngest son, resides in Conway. John 
C. died March 3, 1849. Edward died May 28, 1861, aged -16. Mr. 
S. W. Tilton died May 23, 1855, aged 55. Mrs. Nancy Til ton mar- 
ried, second, Gen. Asa Howland of Conway, March 6, 1861. 

The late Ralph Utley, of this town, was grandson of Col. Thomas 
Knowlton, who took an active part in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
and was killed in the fight at H;ir!t-m Heights, Sept. 16, 1776. 
It may be of interest to the reader to know that in Col. Trum- 
bull's picture of the "Battle of Bunker Hill,'" which is so often 
seen, Col. Knowlton is represented as standing next behind 
the person who is supporting the head of the wounded Gen. Warren. 
Col. Knowlton is represented as being in the act of discharging his 
oun at the British soldiers, who seem to be attempting to thrust a 
bayonet into the breast of the fallen hero. Mr. Utley's mother was 
sister of Col. Knowlton, and was from Ashford, Conn. 

Levi Vinton, youngest son of Nathaniel and Anne of Braintree, born 
June 5, 1760, came to this town probably in 1777. He enlisted Oct. 
I of that year, from Chesterfield, for three years, in Capt. Hasting's 
Co. He married Jerusha Fenton of Williamsburgh, May 15. 1787. 

Children: Samuel, born Feb. 22, 1788, married Eliza Cornwell ; 
Martha, born Sept. 20, 1789, married Wm, Miller, March 3, 1812 ; 
Electa, born Sept. 8, 1791, married James Sheen, Jan., 18)2 ; Lucin- 
da born Feb. 12, 1793, married Arvin Nash, Oct. 11, 1814; Laura, 
born Sept. 23, 1797, unmarried ; Orpha, born Nov. 14, 1799, i^^arried 
Samuel Cole ; Eunice, born April 23, 1802, married first, T. F. Upton, 
second, H. Conant ; Jerusha, born Oct. ii, 1804, married Seth Shaw ; 

Hannah, born Aug. 5, 1807, married Harrington; Levi, born 

Oct. 2, 18 10, removed to California. Mr. Vinton resided in Goshen 
till 1817, when he removed to Hartland, N. ¥., where he died Sept- 
20 1820. His wife died eight days previously. 

The children of Lucinda and Arvin Nash, according to the Vinton 
crenealogy, were born as follows : Eunice, July 8, 18 17, who married 
Capt. F. Rice ; Jacob Spencer, July 22, 1825, died in Goshen, April 
7 1831 ; Martha J,, Aug. 13, 1827, married Charles C. Lamb of 
Maumee City, Ohio, Sept. 8, 185 1 ; Maria, May 8, 1833, t>orn in 
Goshen. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 179 

Capt. Robert Webster caiue here in 1762, bringing his wife Molly, 
and probably one child, an infant. His children were: Hannah, who 
married' [oseph Jepson, 1780 ; Anne, who married Watson Robinson 
of Cummington, 1784; Molly, who married Abial Barrows, 1786; 
Achsah, who married SyK'anus Burk, 1785 ; Susannah, who married 
Jacob Nash, jr., Feb. 23, 1792; Robert, who married Rebekah Ham- 
ilton of Conway. Capt. Webster died and his widow married Joel 
Gustin. 

Children of Robert, Jr., and Rebekah Webster: Mary, who married 
Bradley Packard of Conway, Dec. 2, 1831 ; Caroline, who married 
Franklin Naramore ; Wm. H., who married Martha, daughter of 
Hattil Washburn; Robert F., who married Mary, daughter of Theo- 
dore Parsons, Nov. 28, 1844; Elizabeth, who married Chas. Childs 
of Conway, Nov. 17, 1847, and removed to Montreal. 

Children of William H. and Martha Webster : Louisa, married 
Edmund L. Dawes ; Ellen L., born Aug. 22, 1847, died Nov. 21, 1850 ; 
Ellen M., born Oct. 14, 1850, removed to Easthampton. 

Children of Robert F. and Mary P. Webster: Belle P., born Oct. 
30, 1845, married Myron Avery of Easthampton, and has a daughter 
Maud ; Julia E., born Nov. 12, 1848, married Freebun E. White, 
May 2, 1875 ; Frank H., born Jan. 9, 185 1, employed on a western 
railroad ; Fred P., born Sept. 30, 1852, died April 12, 1854. Robert 
F. Webster died Jan 7, 1857, aged 38 years. Mrs. Belle P. Avery 
wields the pen of a ready writer and has shown decided talent in her 
contributions to the newspaper press. 

Mr. Hattil Washburn was born in New Bedford, 1780 or '81, a«d 
was the eldest of a family of seven boys and si.x girls ; came here 
when nine years of age, and lived in the family of Dr. Burgess four- 
teen years. He died here upwards of eighty years old. He married 
Martha, sister of Ebenezer Putnej-, 2d, and had Alaiison, married 
Lydia Robinson, 1830; Hattil; Amos; Oscar; ^^Jartha, who married 
Wm. H. Webster; Minerva, who married first, Luther Kellogg, 183^, 
— parents of George — secosfd, Rodney Haivks, Oct., 1856, and had 

Mary, born Dec. 27, 1858 ; Mary, who married Holmes of 

Northampton, and had Frank and another son. Sidney, son of Hattil, 
Sen., died March 14, 1824, aged 21. Semantha, daughter, died Nov. 
30, 1825, aged 16. Hattil Washburn, Jr., married Loiza, daughter 
of Ebenezer Putney, 2d, April 15, 1834; she died Feb. 3, 1S37, aged 



180 HISTORY OF GOSHEK. 

27. He married second, Betsey Evvell, Oct 8, 1839, she died May 27, 
1852. He married third, Julia Ehvell, (published Nov. 27, 1S52,) 
removed to Northampton. 

The Weeks family of this town were descendants of George and 
Jane, of the first settlers in Dorchester. Their son, Amiel, married 
Elizabeth, and had Suppl}^ Weeks, who was born Aug. 26, 167 i, and 
removed to Marlboro. He married Susanna, daughter of Thomas 
Barnes, June 4, 1699, she died Jan 15, 1712, and he married, March 
10, 1715, Mary Holland of Framingham. He died Sept. 22, 1755. 

Children of Supply and Susanna Weeks : Thomas, born Sept. 5, 

1700, married Hannah ; Jemima, born Feb. 23, 1702, married. 

May 19, 1730, Isaac Tomblin ; Abigail, born Jan. 26, 1704; Amiel, 

born Oct. 13, 1705, married Mary ; John, born March 3, 1707, 

married Dinah Keyes ; Elijah, born Feb. 4, 17 10; Susanna, born 
Jan. II, 1 7 12, married Jan. 30, 1734, Ephraim Ward. 

Thomas Weeks, born Sept 5, 1700, married Hannah Holland, 
born Aug. 27, 1704, probably of Marlboro. Their ciiildreii were: 
Hannah, born Feb. 3, 1725 ; Ruth, born Dec. 2, 1726 ; Sam- 
uel, born March 31, 1729 ; Eunice, born Sept. 19, 1730, died 1731 ; 
Phebe, born Jan. 13, 1733; Thomas, born April 21, 1735 ; Eunice, 
born Aug 15, 1737 ; David, born Jan. i, 1740; Holland, born Aug. 
14, 1742 ; Amiel, born March i, 1745. 

Capt. Thomas Weeks, born April 21, 1735, removed to Brookfield 
and married Mercy Hinckley, July, 1759. She was daughter of Job 
and Sarah (Tufts*) Hinckley. Job, born Feb. 16, 1688, was son of 
Samuel, born at Barnstable, Feb. 14, 1652, was son of Gov. Thomas 
Hinckley, born in England, in 1618, came to New England, 1635. 
Mercy Hinckley, who married Capt. Thomas Weeks, was born Sept. 
22, 1737. She had two brothers killed by the Indians, probably in the 
"Bars Fight," 1746. Her brother Samuel, born Oct. 15, 1730, was 
father of Judge Samuel Hinckley of Northampton, born Dec. 22, 1757, 
graduate of Yale College, 1781, Judge of Probate, 1818 to 1835. 
Sarah, sister of Merc\', born Feb. 27, 1734, married John Ranger; 
Mary, another sister, married Samuel Grimes ; David, a brother of 
Judge Hinckley, nephew of Mercy, born Oct. 19, 1764, an eminent 
and wealthy merchant of Boston. He built and owned the granite 

* The writer lias ;i pewter platter witli "S. T.' the initials i)f Sarah Tufts, stamped 
upon it, whicli was prabably a i>art of hei- marriage ouMit. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 181 

structure at the corner of Beacon and Somerset streets, now in pos- 
session of the Congregationalists and occupied by several of their 
leading societies. It is said to have been the first granite building 
erected in Boston. 

Capt. Thomas Weeks was born in Marlboro, but early removed to 
Brookfield. In 1762 he was appointed a deputy sheriff of Worcester, 
and subsequently of Hampshire County, in which office he served 
acceptably for many years. He lived in Greenwich from 1770 to 
1778, and during that time served two or three years in the army, 
acting as paymaster, and attaining the rank of captain. He was with 
our troops at the surrender of 'I'iconderoga, where, in common with 
other officers, he suffered the loss of his camp equipage, clothing, etc. 
He removed to Chesterfield Gore, and was instrumental in its incor- 
poration as a town in 1781, of which he was the first town clerk, and 
held the office several years. He was delegate to the State conven- 
tions in 1779-80, which formed the constitution. He was much em- 
ployed in public affairs, and was prominent as a surveyor of land and 
school teacher. His old blaze, a crow's foot, is occasionally found in 
late years. Alvin Barrus, his great-grandson, has the compass that 
he used a hundred years ago. It was probably made by him. He 
died in 1817, aged 82 years. He left many papers relating to the 
affairs of his times and several journals. 

Children of Capt. Thomas and Mercy (Hinckley) Weeks : Mercy, 
born April 18, 1762, married John Williams ; Elijah, born Aug. 23, 
1764, married Sarah Balchelder, 1793 ; Sarah, born May 15, 1766, 
married Cyrus Stearns. The above were born in Brookfield. Ezra, 
born in Greenwich, May 10, 1773; Calvin, born July 6. 1774, died 
Feb. 10, 1801 ; Levi, born Oct. 22, 1776 ; Luther, born Dec. 23, 1778, 
died, 1779 ; Kata, born in Goshen, Jan. 4, 1781, married first, Au- 
gustus Belding 1S02, second, Liberty Bowker of Savoy. Capt. Weeks 
died Apr. 20, 1817. His wife died Feb. 5, 1822. Her name on page 
41 is erroneously given as Mary. 

Children of Elijah and Sarah (Batchelder) Weeks : Jared, born 
Apr. 5, 1794 ; Laura, born June 30, 1795 ; Lydia, born Apr, 3, 1796, 
died, 1800 ; Sophronia, born March 9, 1800 ; Clara, born Feb. 7, 
1802 ; Hiram, born June 24, 1804 ; Liscom, born July 6, 1806 ; 
Vashti, born Nov. 6, 1808; Solomon, born April 30, 181 1 ; John 
Waterman, born Aug. 6. 1813 ; Sarah C, born June i6, 18 17. Eli- 
jah Weeks removed to Scipio, N, Y. 



182 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

Ezra Weeks, who came to this town with his father when about s'x 
years okl, learned the trade of carpenter and builder, and when a 
young man removed to New York. He was successful in business, 
became qiiile wealthy, and was president of one of the city banks. 
He married a Miss Hitchcock, and had one son, Alfred Augustus, 
born July lo, 1S04, a lawyer, who died unmarried, July 26, 1847. His 
eldesr daughter, Mary Ann, born April 17, 1798, niariied Dr. ]\Tar- 
tyu Paine, . one of the leading physicians of the city. She died Jan. 
10, 1S52. Caroline Louisa, the only other child, born Aug. 11, 1802, 
maniedDr. Stephen Erown. 

After retiring from business he resided a few years at Canaan Cen- 
ter, N. Y., but on the death of his son, returned to (he city, where he 
died about thirty years since. He was a man of much practical wis- 
dom, and one of iiis mottoes, worthy lo be remembered, was this of 
Addison — "A well bred man will not offend me, and no 01 her can."' 

In a letter to an aged sister, dated in 1846, he tells the story of his 
later years in the following language : 

Will you e.vcuse me if I sav a lew words respecting nnself. Perhaps there is no 
man living that has been mnrt.' higlilv blessed llirough a long life than I have been. 
I have never lackeLl nionev lo purchase anything that [ (lc>irfcl for my cijuifort or 
pleasure. Everyihing I touched seemed to turn to gold u'ltil I was past lifty yt-ars 
of age, and I was proud of being rich. lUit a kind Providence seeing niy worldly 
heart, in order to hnuible uie, took fiJUi-fifiiis of mv propei i\' from me, but as it did 
notenibarra-s iViC. the p;d:>lic were not aware of the extent of niv loss. I retired, 
supposed to be rich and not in the least hund)led. lint soon after the great frre in 
New York (Dec, 1S35,') wdiich took offcjiie half I had left, this liumbkd me to the 
dust, and with the aid of niv heavenly dream, which I think I relalet! to you, I was 
brought to my senses. That dream caused me to see my dependence upon my 
Saviour, and I rejoiced at my losses and felt grateful that I had enough left to make 
me cemfortable. Now I care no more for money than the dust under iny feet, any 
farther than what I want to purchase mv comforts. I have enough for my own 
use, if I had more I should give away more. I cannot now do much for the poor 
which was always my delight. I gave each of my children a handsoine property be- 
fore I lost any, and they are richer now than I am, and very respectable in the com- 
munity, which is a great consolation to me. My son-in-law, iJr. Paine, is a Profes- 
sor in the medical college of the University in New York, lie is considered one of 
the most learned physicians in this country. He has written several books which 
have attracted much attention in Europe. 

I am very happy with ray children. My son takes charge of all my worldly con- 
cerns and I am as free from trouble as a man can be and live in it, and I am still 
blessed with excellent health. How can I find language to express my gratitude to 
my Heavenly P'ather for his merciful kindness. ****** 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 183 

[Note. The lo.sa of property to which Mr. Weeks i-efers, c)ccurre(] in this manner : An 
old (Quaker, ill wlioni Ik; i)lace(l tlie utmost conlidence, desired a loan of sixty thousand 
dolhirs, to l)e repiiid witliin a sliort time. The loan was made, but when the time of pay- 
ment approaeheil, the man eanie for an extension of time, and representeil that he eould 
not piy it at all, unless lie could borrow sixty thousand dollars more. To save the In-st 
sixty thousand, ISIr. Weeks advanced the second sixty thousand, and llnally losttlie whole 
puni. Among his most profitable early investments i)rol>al)ly was the purchase nf ~c\ en 
acres of land iu the north part of New York city at $.'iOO per acre. ] 

David Weeks, b6rn 1740, brother of Capt. 'I'lionias, inairitd Eu- 
nice Rockwood. Children : Silas R., mniried Ruth Ilrwitt; Esther, 
married Samuel Fellows, who removed from Shcllminf t ' W;i'crlo\vn, 
N. Y., 1800; David, born 1776, died, 1S51, married I'o Iv W'Non ; 
Eunice, married Samuel Kellogjj, removt d to Ohio; Jusiin, lorn 
1776, married Betsey Warren, removed to \\':itertown, N. Y., died 
1855 ; Elijah, died 1S15 ; Phebe, married Bates ; Persis, mar- 
ried Robbins ; Auiiel, married Lucy, daughter of Stephen War. 

ren, removed from Goshen to Geauga Co., Oliio, 1828. 

Ciii'dren of Amiel and Lucy Weeks : Silas, Luther, Aaron, Miran- 
da, born 1824 ; Maria ; Esther, born 1S26 ; Cynthia, born 1832. 

It' t!ie earl\' st-i; loin mw nf this slate, two immigrants namerl Wil- 
liams, appear and peifoiin leading pans iii their respective towns. 
Tlitii- 11 inies v.t're Robrr;. who settled in Ro.xbury, and Richard, 
wjio set:lf(l in 'I'aunton, and was called the "father of the town." 
Each of ihc^e men was at U^ast the father of a numerous posterity, 
and were worthy of remembrance. Whethei- they were near relatives, 
we arc not informed. Roth were said to be of Welsh origin, and 
both lelativcs of Oliver Cromw*;ll, whose oiiginal name was Williams, 
and was changed to Ciomwell by King James, that he might inherit 
an estate of his aunt's husband. 

In a letter of Roger Williams, the original Jjaptisl in this country, 
he alludes to his "brotiier," who had sent a j>aper of some kind for 
the consitleration of the people. J\lr. Jiaylies, the Taunton historian, 
thereupon raises the query whether Richard of Taunton be not this 
very brother, but Mr. Savage, the genealogist, doubts the correctness 
of the suggestion. In a book entitled "Die Ministry of Taunton," it 
is said of Richard Williams, "the blood of a Cromwell coursed 
through his veins." 

He was a rigid Puritan. When deaf and blind from age, he was 
accustomed to attend public worship, saying that "although he could 
neither see nor hear, yet it was accordino; to his feelings to know he 
was present while the peoide of God were at their worship." 



184 HTSTOKY OF GOSHEN. 

He was one of the original purchasers of the tract of land from the 
Cohannet Indians, which was known as the "Eight-Mile Square," and 
was in 1640 incorporated as Taunton. He was Deputy for many 
years from that town to the "Great and General Court" in Plymouth. 

The Williams families of Williamsburgh and Goshen are the de- 
scendants of this Richard. He was born in 1599, and married 
Frances Dighton, sister of the wife of Gov. Thomas Dudley ; they had 
eight children, of whom Benjamin was the sixth son. He married 
Rebecca Macy, or Marcy, March 18, 1690. 'I'hey had four children. 
John, the youngest, was born March 27, 1699. This John resided 
in Taunton, where he died about 1780. His widow, Elizabeth, sur- 
vived him. Their son John, born about 1728, resided for a time in 
Middleboro', whence he removed to Williamsburgh, where he died 
Dec. I, 1802. The name of his wife was Rhoda Crowell, probably 
from Chatham, Mass. She died in Williamsburgh, Feb. 22, 1814. 
Children: John; Jonah; Joseph; Abigail, who married John 
Stearns of Goshen ; Mrs. Nathan Starks. Gross Williams, Esq., 
resided in Williamsburgh and reared a large family. One of his 
daughters married Edward Gere, the mother of the wide-awake and 
talented editor of the Hampshire Gazette — Henry S. Gere, Esq. 
John and Jonah removed to this town, about 1777, or '78, and set- 
tled in that part of it called "Chesterfield Gore." John was the first 
postmaster of the town, and resided where his son Hinckley now 
does. 

John, born April 23, 1755, married Mercy, daughter of Capt. 
Thomas Weeks. 

Children: Hannah, born Dec. 16, 1780, married, first, Thomas 
Porter, 1804, second, Capt. N. Tower, died Dec. 31, 186 1 ; Sally, 
born Aug. 24, 1782, died, unmarried, July 30, 1870; Isaac, born 
Feb. 24, 1784, married Polly, daughter of Dr. Burgess, 1806, died 
Sept. 8, 1807 ; Mercy, born Aug. 17, 1785, married Benj. W. Miller, 
1807, died Dec. 10, 1876 ; John, Jr., born Sept. 16, 1787, died 1788 ; 
John, Jr., of Ashfield, born April 6, 1789, married a daughter of Rev. 
David Todd, died April 4, 1879 ; Seth of Cummington, born May 9, 
179 1, married Sarah, daughter of Dr. Burgess, May 20, 18 13, died 
Dec. 23, i860, in Madison, Iowa; Clarissa, born March 29, 1793, 
died iyo2 ; Eunice, born Feb. 28, 1795, married Freeman Coffin, 
died 1826 ; Levi, born April 4, 1797, married Harriet Arms, died in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, June 28, 184S ; Thomas, born Jan. 4, 1799, died 



HISTORY OP GOSHEK. 



185 



Aug., 1799. Eliza E., born Aug. 10, 1800. married Geo. Markham, 
June 2, 1835 ; Clarissa, born Aug. 29, 1802, died 1803 ; George, 
born Oct. 23, 1804, died March i, 1824; Hinckley, born Dec. 7, 
1806. Sarah, wife of Seth Williams, died Jure 26, 1844. 

Hinckley Williams married Elvira A., daughter of Judge Wright 
of Pownal, Vt., Jan. 9, 1833. 

Children : Clarinda Boardman, born Aug. 31, 1836 ; Hinckley 
Wright, born Oct. 8, 1844, died Aug. 25, 1864— a student in Amherst 
College ; Sarah Russell, born May 3, 1850. 

Clarinda B., daughter of Hinckley Williams, graduate of Charles- 
town Female Seminary, married, June 6, i860, Hon. Lucius Manlius 
Boltwood, graduate of Amherst College, 1843 ; member of the Mas- 
sachusetts Senate, 1860-1 ; Librarian of Public Library in the city 
•of Hartford for several years, now of New Haven; historian and 
genealogist of high repute. 

Sarah Russell Williams, youngest daughter of Hinckley and Elvi- 
ra Williams, was a young lady of more than usual attainments and 
ability. She was a graduate of Westfield Normal School in 1868, 
•and for seven years afterwards \v.i> a prominent and successful teach- 
er in Hartford, Conn. Li 1873 she formed one of a party of teach- 
ers who visited the Vienna Exhibition. Two years later an affection 
of the throat and lungs coiMpelled her to give up teaching, and for 
■ four years she spent moht of her time in California and Colorada, in 
the hope of regaining her health. I'he struggle was in vain, and she 
•died in Boulder, Col., Aug. 24, 1879, aged 29 years. She had a 
strong and ready sympathy for those in suffering, and ilid much to 
brighten the lives of others, like herself, far from home. She was 
amiable, energetic, persevering, with a controlling will that made her 
a leader wherever she was. She brought to her Goshen home m.my 
interesting mementoesof her travels, which are highly prized as memen- 
toes of herself. The obtaining of one of these, a tine band)oo rod Irom 
Panama, shows her power to interest and inHuence even strangers. 
When crossing the Isthmus, she requested the conductor to stop the 
train near a grove they were passing, that she might obtain a speci- 
men rod to carry home. The conductor complied, and sent one of 
his men, who brought her the desired keepsake. 

Louisa, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel and Hannah (Williams) 
Tower, graduated at the young ladies' seminary in Charlestown, and 
taught in the High Schools in Chicopee, Mass., and in Michigan. 



186 HISTORY OY GOSHEN. 

She married Hon. Jolin C. Dexter of Evart, Mich , and died in lliat 
place, Feb. 23, iSSi, ai2;ed 60 years. 

Almira, second daughter of Capt. Natlianie! and Hannah Tower, 
married Warren J- Ball, Oct. 30, 1S45, '"'"^' '^'^'' Delia A., who mar- 
ried Allen R. Stanlf}-, Sept. 22, 1869 ; Charles W., bom Jidy 3, 1849 ; 
John. 

John Williams was Justice of the Peace, a ij;c)od business man,, 
careful and prudent, and an esteemed citizen. He was one of the 
founders and chief supporters of the Baptist church in this town, and 
lived and died a consistent member of that branch of tiie chnslian 
church. He died Nov. 15, 1834. 

Squire Williams was a man of much shrewdness as well as solidi- 
ty of character, and amassed a respectable property. He had a 
habit of drawing lessons from circumstances, that was often made 
quite instructive to others. He sometimes related for this purpose, 
his attempt at learning to sing. When he hist cnme to the town he 
said he joined the choir, ihmking lie might iiot -.liily learn losing but 
be able to do a little gn(Ki in lh<il line. Dming the singing of the 
first tune, the chorister gave him a fritudlv nudge, saying: ''Mr. 
Williams, vou ha\en't quite got the [^lilch." Again Williams started 
oft with redoubled powei', and again came the reminder, "Williams, 
you haven't got the pitch." "1 sat down upon iliai," saiii Wilbams, 
'"and I have since seen a great many men who be^iii life with as ear- 
nest an effort to do something, as I ukkIc to sing, but they fail, 
because tliCIJ (lo)t't (Jct tlu'JiitcJl." A fellow, who was in the habit of 
imbibing too freely when he had the opportunity, brought a bottle, 
saying his father was sick and had sent him for a pint of rum. 
"John," said W., ^T believe you are trying to deceive me; you want 
the liquor for yourself." ''No," said John, ''father is sartinly sick and 
wants me to huny right back with it, and he told me not to taste of 
it, and I vvoii't, sartin." "Well, John, if you promise that you won't 
taste, I'll till the bottle." John promised, the bottle was filled, and 
bottle and boy went off together. In a few minutes, however, both 
came back, John in a rage and the bottle empty. "Mr. Williams I 
Mr. Williams! you filled my bottle with water!" "How did you 
find that out ?" coolly inquired the merchant. "Well — I didn't know 
but it might be water, and I thought," said John, "I'd better just try 
it and see." 



lirSTORY OF GOSHEN. 



181 



Of llie son^ of Squire Willi, iiiis, Setli wa^ a prominent business 
mnn in Cummington for mnny yeaib ; Jolin was a merchant in Ash- 
field ; Levi in Noilhampton ; Hinckley in Goshen ; and each c-f them 
noted for energy of character and devotion to business. 

Jonah Williams, brother of Squire Joiin, married Anna Graves of 
Katfield in 1791. A large family of sons and daughters was born 
unto them, and grew up 10 manhood and womanhood. Tiie sons 
were .Artemas, An)asa, Abishai, George, Jonah, Daniel and William ; 
the daughters, Ann, who married Lyman Randall, May 31, 1827; 
Clarissa, who married Thomas Thayer, June iS, 182S ; Wealthy, who 
married Harvey Nichols of Chester, (3hi(), April 17, 1S34; and 
Phebe married in the West. \A'illiam was a graduate of Amherst 
College, in the same class with Henry Ward Beecher. He and his 
youngest sister, Pliebe, were for many years engaged in the South ui 
the wjtk of teacliii>g, and he was subsequently professor in Lagrange 
College, Alabani.i. Upon ilie breaking: out of the rebellion he came 
North, and in i?(')4 made a six weeks" tour of \olunteer service 
among the so'di-.--^ of the aiiin of ihe Polomae. His labors were of 
a deeply inieresting character, and in Cani[) Disti ibution there was 
almost a contiiujous revival while he was thete. He distributed 
thousands of religif)us newspapers, tracts, testaments, preached often, 
delivered addre.sses on temjjcrance, and participated extensively in 
religious meetings. President Lincoln at a later date appointed him 
hospital chnobdn at Menipiiis, Tenn. At the close of the war he 
rettirned South, where lie died several years since. 

Aitemas Williams removed to South Deei field. He died Feb. 7, 
18S1, aged SSyeais, 9 months, 7 days. The following notice of him 
is t.iken fiom an obituary published in the Con«;regafion(r/ist : 

Mr. Williams was born in Goshen in 1792. Hi* ancestors were of Welsh origin, 
relatives of Oliver Cromwell, whose original name was Williams. The direct ances- 
tor, Richard Williams, was one of the original purchasers of the tract of land from 
the Cohannet Indians, known as the eight-mile square, and was in 1640 incorpora- 
ted as Taunton. He was called the fjther of the town. His descendents were the 
earlier settlers of Goshen and Williamsburg, for whom the town of Williamii!)urg 
was named. 

Mr. Williams received his early training at the district school in his native town, 
with the loved playmate of his boyhood, Rev. Levi Parsons, one of the first mis- 
sionaries of the American Board to Palestine, and later at Par.-on Hallock's School 
for boys at Plainficld, an institution widely known in those days for thorough 
instruction in the cemmon branches and for good moral training. He was married 



188 HISTORY OP GOSHEN. 

in 1817 to a daughter of Capt. Elijah Arms, a lineal descendant of Rev. John Wil- 
liams, the first minister of Deerfield,who was captured and carried to Canada by 
the Indians. He was one of the founders of the South Deerfield Congregational 
Parish in 1818; only one member survives him. When the church was built he 
contributed generously for its erection, and brought from Hartford with his team 
the bell that for many years called the worshipers at the sanctuary he loved, and 
where for more than sixty years he was never known te be absent on the Sabbath 
unless detained by sickness or the infirmities of age. He was elected parish clerk 
in 1822, and held that office over forty years. The old pariah book, containing 200 
pages of records in the clear handwriting of Mr. Williams, is treasured by thefam" 
ily as a sacred heir-loom and is of great historic value. At his house the earlier 
ministers of the parish were examined for settlement, and his house was always 
the minister's home. For years the weekly church meetings were held there, and 
there many ? worker in educational and benevolent causes was entertained by the 
hospitable Christian man. 

In the enterprise of securing funds for the Bloody Brook Monument he took an 
active part. F'or nineteen years he was a member of the board of assessors of 
Deerfield. Esteemed as a citizen and magistrate, beloved by all who knew him, 
there was but one expression in regard to him, that of entire confidence, love and 
esteem. His kindly traits of character shone out so that there was no doubt of 
what there was within. Such transparent honesty and so high a standard of Chris- 
tian principles as were his, that not to make mention of them would seem to be an 
injustice. He was a rigid Puritan. When in eaily life the Holy Spirit revealed to 
him a Saviour mighty to save, he thus narrates in his journal the great change : 

"One Sabbath morning, after long struggles and darkness, on my way to the 
sanctuary, the clouds were scattered, light broke in upon my soul, and the infinite 
love of God in all His beauties and glories was revealed to me. I had nothing to 
do but accept and be saved. Christ had done the work, and in the full assurance 
of faith made me believe in Jesus, and all was happy." 

Mr. Daniel Williams and Miss Permelia, daughter of Mr. Silas 
Blake of Ashfield were married Nov. 12, 1828. The fiftieth anni- 
versary of their marriage — the golden wedding — was observed Nov. 
12, 1878, at their residence in tliis town. The following account of 
the event is condensed from the Hampshire Gazette. William Ban- 
croft of Chesterfield was master of ct-remonies ; Miss Fannie Hawks 
and Mrs. T. P. Lyman had charge pf the enlerlainment. The wood 
that made the fire for the cooking was in the woodshed fifty years 
ago. Two table cloths made by Mrs. Williams and some of the 
crockery on the tables iiad been in use by the family for fifty years. 
Congratulatory remarks were made by Mr. Hinckley Williams, M. 
Ajanson Washburn, Rev. Edward Clarke, Rev. C. B. Ferry and 
Henry S. Gere, Esq., of Northampton. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 189 

Mr. Waslibiini was iirescnt at the original wedding fifty years ago. He was one 
of the famous corps of stage drivers that drove on the route from Northampton to 
Pittsfield and Albany, lie took a four-horse team and a "Concord coach" and 
took the bridegroom from his home on the day of the wedding, and drove to the 
home of the bride, about two miles distant, and brought them back. 

The remarks made were of a pleasant character, and it was noticed as notewor- 
thy that there was so much that could be said. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are among 
the most solid and substantial people of the town. They have been remarkable for 
their industry and thrift, and their example is a good one for the younger people to 
follow. 

After the remarks, a poem selected for the occasion was sung by Mrs. Vining of 
Williamsburg. During the afternoon, supper was served to 65 guests seated at 
the table in frequent relays. Letters were read by Mr. Bancroft from Frederick W. 
Lyman ot Kenosha, Wisconsin, Rev. J. C.Thompson of Belvidere, 111., and N. H. 
Wood of Portage, Ohio, all former residents of Goshen or its vicinity. A letter 
was read from Mr. Williams' brother, Mr. Artemas Williams of South Deerfield, 
now 86 years of age, and blind. There were present three of the original wedding 
guests — Mr. Hosea Blake of Ashfield, aged 83, Mr. Hinckley Williams and Mr. 
Washburn. Also, several other aged people, among them Mrs. Hosea Blake, aged 
78, Mr. Emmons Putney, 79 years old, and as smart as a steel trajj, and Mrs. 
Hinckley Williams, 69 years old. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Knowlton. of North- 
ampton, Representative Hiram Packard, .Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Spelman and Mrs. 
Lyman D. James of Williamsburgh, and Miss Millie W. Warren of New York, the 
latter, the adopted daughter of Mr. Williams. 

Mr. and Mrs. Williams are now 74 and 71 years of age and still hale and hearty. 
They live on the old road from Goshen to Ashfield, in the house built by his father 
Jonah Williams, in 1816. It was built for a tavern, and was kept as such several 
years, until the division of the county cut off the travel from Ashfield, Charlemont, 
and other towns in that reg-on to Northampton as the shire town, which spoilt 
their tavern business Tlie house has been famous for its parties, and good cheer 
and hospitality have always abounded. One of the old landmarks in the house is 
a large eight-day clock, bought by Mr. Williams' father 70 years ago, and has been 
doing faithful service ever since. 

Mr. Williams relates that he has never called a physician for himself but four 
times in his life, and then he went for him himself. Once when the Doctor came 
he was feeling so much better that he dismissed him and called for his bill. The 
Doctor charged him five dollars, saying, "I could have kept you along a good 
while, if 1 had had a mind to." That Doctor was "old Dr. Knowlton," of Ashfield. 
and the incident occurred forty years ago. 

An address, prepared for the occasion by Hiram Barrus, Ksq., of the Boston C us- 
lom House, was read by Rev. B. C. Ferry, of Northami)ton. and was listened to 
very attentively by all present. 

EXTRACTS EROM THE ADDRESS: 

It is not the first time that some of us gather here to pass a pleasant liour and 
evening. For myny years Mr. and .Mrs. Williams annually invited the choir of 



190 HISTORY or GOSHEX. 

singers belonging to tiieir society and other friends, to meet here and devote an 
evening to social converse and singing. it may not he out of i)iace to remark that 
the choir in its day has done much good singing, and has included in its member- 
sliip many worthy persons ofeach generation. Among its leaders of long ag(j were 
Dea. Asahel Billings, Frederick P. Stone, Uea. Elijah Billings, J. M. Smith, and 
Major Joseph Hawkes, wliois still doing good service, and has been cor.nected with 
the choir for nearly the entire period which is passing in retrospect before us this 
evening. There were also the Dressers and Hunts, instrumental musicians; the 
Smiths, Stones. Putneys, Dressers,, and scores of other vvell-rtmembered vocalists> 
that under this roof have taken part in, and enjoyed these annual gatherings. 

We remember how grandly some of those old anthems rung out, as the choir was 
led bv "Uncle Fied," — as we called him, — one of the noblest of men, ai.d a model 
leader. Oi'gans and mchjdeons were not so numerous then as now, anti tl.c usual 
accompaniments, if any, were stringed instruments. When these were nrt at hand, 
the steel tuning fork gave "the pitch" from whicli the chorister with a "Do, Mi, Sol, 
Do,'' took his bearings, and then ;ill plunged into the tune with a heartiness and 
spirit that the moderns do not surpass. We have listened many a time sinc^" to 
paid soloists and quartettes in city churches, but rarely, indeed, have we heard vocal 
music that would stir the soul as did the music of that old choir. 

But we pass to other matters. Though it. has not been the happiness of Mr. and 
Mrs. Williams to rear children of their own, it has been their privilege to adopt and 
bring up others. One of these was Calvin Gilmore Williams, who ])assed his early 
years here, and is remembered as a bright and interesting lad, a wide-awake and 
intelligent pupil in our schools, and always a good boy. His early death, in an- 
other state, recalls one of the shadows that have fallen upon this household. 

We remember another as the adopted daughter of a few years — Martha Baker — 
the sunny face and nierrv voice of the child ; her winning ways, her attendance at 
school, where she stood lirsi among the first in all that was good and commendable; 
the development of the butl niio the blossom as she passed from girlhood and be- 
came at an early age the wife of one of our respected and gifted clergymen. Rev. 
Wm. Carruthers, and then, after a brief period of happiness and usefulness, took one 
more step upward and was numbered with the angels. 

Our memory calls up with pleasant recollections another name that it always 
reckons as one of this household, that of Miss Permelia Warren, the popular teach- 
er, whose field of labor is in the city of New York. 

We remember Mr. and Mrs. Williams as among the first and foremost in reliev- 
ing the sick and suffering, in sympathizing with the afflicted, and in assisting to pay 
the last sad duties of respect to the departed. We do not forget that the services 
of Mr. Williams have been sought, ii^and out. of town, for conducting funerals, not 
the fact that he has assisted in committing to their final resting-place the remains 
of not a few persons belonging to the fust, second, and third generations that lived 
in this town. 

Over the doorwav of one of the Ro.\bury homesteads, still occupied by the 
descendants of Robert, is wrought the family coat of arms. It l)ears the motto, 
"What God willeth, will be." 

Fifty years ! That period carries us back to the era before the days of railroads 



HISTORY OF (jIOSIIEN. 191 

and ocean steamers; before the days of sending niessnges hv lightning ncress conti- 
nents and around the world; before the days of daguerreotypes, tin-types, plioto- 
graphs, autograph albums, and telephones ; before the days of friction matches, 
kerosene lamps, cook stoves, sewing machines, ready-made clothing, and slioddy 
cloth; before the days when postage fell from twenty-five cents a letter to three 
cents; before the days of daily mails and daily papers in Goshen ; before the days 
when bibles were printed in hundreds of languages by one society, and sold for 25 
cents a copy. 

"^W/iat God -w'd'.cih., 7vill l>i\" The past, present, the future, is in His hands. 
May His beneiliction rest upon each of you till the golden bowl be broken, and 
then may it be your happy lot to walk the golden streets, where they neither marry 
nor are given in marriage, but arc as the angels forever. 

[nAtk. Since the above was ])rc))ar('il tin- llie i)ri'ss, Mr. Williams luis iiassed away. 
His death occurred March 1.'), ]8S1.] 

John Williams, "Carpenter," was from Uxbridge, and ptMhaps not 
connected with the other families. He married Deborah, daughter 
of John Smith, Dec. 24, 1795, but had no children. By patient in- 
dustry, rigid economy, and careful investments at a moderate rate of 
interest, with the help of a wife, like minded, he accumulated a hand- 
some properly. Mrs. Williams survived her husband some years and 
very considerately made the liberal donations, which have been else- 
where mentioned in these pages. Mr. Williams died May 17, 1843, 
aged 74 years. Mrs. Williams died Sept. 19, 1859, ^ot;d 86 years 

Zebulon Willcutt was born in Cohasset, son of Jesse, and brother of 
Lieut. Jesse. The three probably came at the same time, April 6, 1772, 
and settled at once on the plnce still owned by Joel Willcutt (evcrv 
body's "Uncle Joel,") and iiis sons Martin and Alvin. Zebulon prob- 
ably cleared the farm, a portion of which is still owned by his descen- 
dants. Zebulon was a strong, able-bodied man, and one; borrowed 
a five pail iron kettle in Northampton for boiling sap, which he car- 
ried on foot to Goshen and returned in the same way. He had Lois, 
who married Hollister Damon, 1831, and two sons, Rev. William and 
Francis. Rev. William married Betsey Daniels, and had Jackson, 
who married Amanda, daughter of Calvin Loomis ; Jason, who 
married Elvira, daughter of Ebenezer Shaw; Hester, who married 
Alnion B. Loomis ; Harriet, who married Joseph Bush, Dec. 25, 
1844; Eliza, who married .Monzo Shaw, 1845; Eh'ira. who niairied 
Andrew Shaw ; \\'i!liam, jr., who married Rosina, daugiucr of 'oseph 
Crosby ; Lorenzo, married Partridge. 



192 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Jackson Willcutt had Andrew J., born July 5, 1845 ; and Edward. 
Jason Willcutt removed to Cummington and had Brackley; Clarinda.. 

Children of Harriet and Joseph Bush : Henry, who married Mar- 
tha Stone ; Hattie and Alice. 

Children of Eliza and Alonzo Shaw : Charles Nelson, married, and 
resides in Adams; Georgiana ; Mary Ann ; Willie E., who married 
Eva V. Merritt, June 29, 1878 ; Florence. 

Francis Willcutt married Mehitabel Daniels, and had Harvey, who 

died Nov. 9, 1851, aged 26 ; Horace, married Robbins ; Hiram, 

married Eunice L, Robbins ; Mary, who married, first, Milo Milliken, 
second, Lafayette Eddy, Dec. 14, 1854; Noah, died April 2;^, 1851, 
aged 16 ; Mehitabel, born Jan. 3, 1843, married Stephen Parsons of 
Plainfield, May 10, 1870 ; Emily, married Horatio Culver, Jan. 15, 
1879. 

Enoch Willcutt, son of Lieut. Jesse, married, first, Sally Wood, 
1801, second, Hannah Knight, 1826. Children . Philip, died unmar- 
ried ; Mercy, who married Theodore Damon, June 6, 1831 ; Hannah,, 
who married Joseph Cole, Sept. 23, 1838 ; Candace, who married 
John Allis, Jan. 29, 1840 ; another son. 

Alpheus Willcutt, brother of Enoch, married Chloe , lived for 

a time in Goshen, had Harrison ; John, who married Mary, daughter 
of Ebenezer Shaw ; and other children. Mrs. Chlee married, sec- 
ond, Pardon Washburn, Dec. 5, 1842. 

Rhoda Willcutt, sister of Enoch, married, first, Ball, father of 

Warren J. Ball. Mrs. Rhoda, married, second, Eleazer Hawks, and 
had one son — William. 

Capt. Edward Wing probably came from Warren, Mass.,. where his 
first child, Edward, Jr., was born ; his other children were born in 
Goshen. His wife was Elizabeth . 

Children : Edward, Jr., married Polly Blood, Dec. 15, 1802; Nel- 
son, born April 6, 1778, married Betsey Tilton, Nov. 25, 1S02 ; 
James, born Dec. 30, 1780, drowned June 7, 1797; Elisha, born 
Sept. 7, 1782, married Desire Hall of Ashfield, 1807 (published Sept. 
27); Elizabeth, born March 14, 1784; Isaac, born Jan. 20, 1786, 
married a daughter of Rev. Mr. Keyes of Conway; Rebekah, born 
Feb. 18, 1788, married Nathaniel Clark of Ashfield, June i, 1809; 
Sally, born June 21, 179 1 ; Samuel, born Feb. 25, 1792, married 
Patty Bond of Conway, 18 16, (published Sept. 30.) 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 193 

Isar.c Wing married Keyes, and had Samuel, who married 

Catherine Wolf of Deerfield, 1839 ; Isaac, Jr., married Nancy Ladd, 
1841 ; Mary A., married Oscar Washburn, Dec. 12, 1848, died May 
2, 1852. 

There was a Benjamin Wing, perhaps son of Edwu 1, who married 
Jane Bond of Conway, i8ig. 

Rev. Samuel Whitman was born in Weymouth, March i, 1751 ; 
graduated at Harvard College, 1775; settled in Ashby, 1778; dis- 
missed, 1783; settled in Goshen, 1788; member of the Legislature, 
180S ; dismissed from his pastorate here, July 15, 1818. 

He published several sermons, and an 8 vo. volume, entitled "Key 
to the Bible Doctrine of Atonement and Justification," and "An Im- 
partial History of the Pioceedings of the Church and People of 
Goshen in the dismission of tiieir minister, &c.," 1824. 

Mr. Whitman married Grace, daughter of Ezekiel Cheever of Bos- 
ton. Their children were : Samuel ; Ezekiel, born 1783 ; and Grace, 
probably born before coming to Goshen; David, born 1788, died 
unmarried; Sally, born 1791, died unmarried; Poliy, born 1792; 
Betsev, born 1794, married Hazo Parsons of Belchertown, and 
removed to Middletown, Va. ; Ephraim, born 1796, printer, died 
Sept. 14, 1819 ; Stephen West, born 1797, physician, died Aug. 13, 
1826, on his way from Ohio to visit friends here, leaving a wife and 
child ; Abby, born 1800, married Oren Carpenter, Boston, flied 1S42. 

Mr. Whitman passed through many and s-veie trials, vviiich he bore 
with christian fortitude. It has been said that he was dismissed 
from his pastorate on account of a change in his religious opinions. 
In a letter written in August before his death, he said : *'[ have been 
attending to Mr. Ware's Theology, reading nine sermons of ids in a 
vohime sent me. If I do not think in all iioints just as he does, I 
have no more light to say he is destitute of relij^ion than he has to 
say I am destitute of it, because I do not hold with him in all points. 
He is a man of good sense, and he writes like a sincere man, a man 
who has a good heart. If hearts agree in uniting to Christ, we shall 
meet in heaven wliere Christ is, and there our understandings and 
judgments will be rectified. Not to hold communion and fellowship 
with a man because he believes that there is but one God, even the 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is unreasonable and borders on 
peisecution." In one of the last letters he wrote — perhaps the last 



194 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

— dated Nov. 13, 1826, he speaks of bei^ij^ under tlie care of Dr. 
Starkweather, but hopes to be better to morrow. It is written to his 
•daughter Abby in Boston, where ihe was residino; with her aunts, in 
reference to her approaciiing marriage. After giving her some good 
advice, he closes, saying : "I rejoice tliat you rejoice in Zion's pros- 
perity. We hope that the religious revival in Boston will be great, 
and also elsewhere. I hope that Unitarians, wherein they err, will 
be reformed, that they and all others will speculate correctly, and 
that sinners will be converted from total moral depravity to the love 
of the truth, as it is in Jesus. If we love Christ we shall be saved, 
jf we do not believe as some others do." These extracts will be suf- 
ficient, perhaps, to show the direction in which his departures from 
the orthodox standards of his times were thought to have been made, 
as well as his general views relating to the main truths of the gospel. 

He died Dec. 18, 1S26, from an attack of angina pectoris. His 
last words were : '"The ways of the Lord are equal." 

Mr. Whiiman was the eldest son of D.uid and Olive (Webb) Whit- 
man, of Weymouth. David was son of Ei:)enezer, son of John, Jr., 
son of John of Dorchester, who came f.'om England. A brief j:,ene- 
alogy of the Whitman family, published in Portland many years since, 
gives the date of Mr. Wiiilman's birth as 1744, seven years earlier 
than the date recognized by his family. 

Mr. Emmons Putney says that Mr. Whitman, during the winter 
season, was accustomed to preach, wearing his overcoat and striped 
•mittens, with a red bandana handkerchief as a covei-ing for his head. 

There were three distinct families of early settlers of the name of 

■White; Ezekiel, of Weymouth; Farnum, of ; and William of 

Charlton. 

Eztkiel was grandson of Samuel, of W^eymouth, who married Anna 
'featt. Her father and mother were deaf aTrddtimb. 

Children of Samuel and Anna : Ebenezer', Jeremiah, Elisha, Sam- 
uel, Nehemi.ih, Micah, Matthew, Anna, Hannah, Ezekiel. ^-^ 

Ezekiel, married Abigail Blanchard, and had Abigail, married Da- 
vid Turner ; Ezekiel, Jr., married Sarah Vinton ; Chloe, married Job 
Trufant ; Mary, married Samuel Peck ; Silence, married John Shaw; 
David, married Martha Cottle; Nehemiah, married Mary Ripley ; 
Noah, married Tamar Bates, 1783 ; Sarah, married Asa French ; 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 195 

Ebenezer, married Calista Partridge; Olive, married Jacob French ; 
Josiah, died unmarried. 

Sarali White, sister of Lieut. Ebenezer, married Asa French, Feb. 
14, 1784 Their children were : Elihii, Samuel, Irenn, William, So- 
phia, Jabez, (who was father of M. M. French of Northampton,) 
Ambrose, Sally, Nathan. 

Lieut. Ei)enezer White, married first, Calista, daughter of Asa 
Partridge, Sen., 1786. She died Feb. 29, 1808, aged 45 years. He 
married second, Hannah Ripley, who died June, 1836. 

Children of Lieut. Ebenezer and Calista : Asa, born Dec. 16, 1787, 
died Dec. 25, 1859 ; Frebun, born Oct. 31, 1789, married Betsey, 
daughter of Ezekiel White, Jr ; Sarah, born Oct. 6, 1794, mariied 
Capt. Horace Packard, Jan. 17, 181S, died April 4, 1876 ; Polly, born 
May 18, 1797, died unmarried, May 12, 1862 ; John, born Oct. 26, 
1799, married Salome Curtis, died P'eb. 20, 1S71 ; Calista, born Aug. 
3, 1801, married Hiram Thayer, died Feb. 2, 1838; Ebenezer, born 
Dec. 5, 1807, married Mary Tilden, June, 1837, '^^^'^^^ Nov. 27, 1870. 

Asa White, born 1787, married first, Livia Ely, Nov. 26, 1811 ; 
second, Harriet Ely — sister, 1844. 

Children of Asa and Livia White; Orrel, born Sept. 23, 1815, 
mari'ied Joseph T. Tiiayer, Oct. 28, 1835, died Sept. 24, 1868; Homer; 
Peregrine, married Catharine Willcutt ; Heman, married Ellen 
Brackett, 

Farnum White, probably not connected with the other White fam- 
ilies of th.is town, was one of the early settlers, and with his wife 
Lois, united with the church here, within three or four years of its 
organization. He died Dec. 6, 1795, aged 45. His wife removed 
to Willianistown to reside, probably with lier daughter, and died in 
1813. 

Children : Chloe, born Aug. 23, 1775, married Cheney Taft, 1793; 
Seth, born Dec. 8, 1778, married Relief Stone, June 4, iSoo, removed 
to Williamstown about 1812 ; Nrlson, born April 13, 17S1 ; Abigail, 
born Aug. 7, 1783, married Elijah Streeter, April 23, 1801 ; Eh'as, 
born Dc:c. 16, 1787, married first, Rhoda Cowles of Williamsburgli, 
1814. She died Jan. 21, 1817, and he married second, Hannah, 
daugliter of Maj. Ambrose Stone, Dec. 25, 1817 ; Clarissa, born 
I^Lirch 18, 1790, married Lucius Cowles of Williamsburgji, April 



196 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

The children of Chloe and Cheney Taft, born in this town, were : 
Newell, born April 4, 1794; Lyman, born Nov. 17, 1795; Willard, 
born Feb. 13, 1798; Harrier, born March 15, 1800. The father 
joined the church here in May, 1801, and afterwards the family 
removed to VVilliamslown, where Mr. Taft was held in high esteem. 
He was a deacon of the cliurcii there. 

The Tafts are descended from Robert, of Braintree, and in 1874, 
had a re-union in U.xbridge, where many of the name were present. 
Judge Taft of Ohio delivered the address. I'ne following extract of 
a poeiii read on the occasion gives a brief exhibit of the principles of 
the pioneer families: — 

On mountain tops of thought they trod, 

And he.ird the thunders roar 
Beneath them, while they talked with God. 

And worshiped Him the more ; 
They came into the wilderness 

Where tempted day by day, 
They met the Devil face to f<ice 

And drove the fiend away. 
They smote the Quakers hip and thigh. 

They bade the Baptists go, 
Episcopacy, high or low, 

They didn't care to know ; 
They'd seen enough of other creeds 

']"() make them prize their own ; 
They felt it met their soul's best needs, 

To go it all alone. 

Caroline, the only child of Elias and Rhoda While, removed West 
and married there. Elias White, married second, Hannah Stone, 
and had Catharine, who married Francis M. Pierce, '^died Aug. 16, 
1880, at Kenosha, Wis. ; Lois Emily, who married Medad Hill of 
Williamsburgh ; Alfred A., learned the printer's trade, in the office of 
the NortJiampton Courier; removed to U'isconsin and thence to 
Dubuque, Iowa, where he died after a brief illness, Jan. 30, 1S52, 
aged 24 years. He was an excellent scholai', gifted as a writer, and 
had become the editor of a newspaper. He was brought up in the 
family of his grandfather b;one. 

Williatn White, Esq, fioin Charlton, in 1762, was one of ilie very 
earliest settlers. He purchased of Gad Lyman, receiving a deed 




x\ 



¥ / 



AllicTtyiH— F.ii-lies Cn.. B.islon 



JOSEPH White. 



in STORY OF GOSHEN. 



197 



thereof, dated May 17, 1762, the westerly half of Lots No. 6 and No. 
13, First Division. The deed is witnessed by Mercy Hawley and 
Joseph Hawley of Northampton. Ezra May, in consideration of 
twenty pounds, lawful money, deeded to him, Dec. 29, 1762, "the whole 
twentieth original lot, that is to say, ye twentieth lot in the first Divis- 
ion, in and of that tract of land in the said Chesterfield, which is part 
of the late Propriety called the Narragansett number four. The said 
lot in quantity is about one hundred acres, be the same more or 
less." This deed was also witnessed by Major Hawley. White 
built his house near the east side of lot No. 20, nearly on the spot 
where the present house stands, which was built about 1829, perhaps 
later. Lot No. 20 was bounded on the east by lot No. 13. 

The ancestors of William White, Esq., have not been definitely 
ascertained. They were probably of the early settlers of Woodstock 
from Roxbury. John of Ro.xbury had John, and probably Joseph and 
Benjamin. John, Jr., and Joseph had each a Joseph. Benjamin 
White, son of one of the Josephs, was admitted to the church in Rox- 
bury in 1703. The heirs of Lieut. John White received certain lands 
in Woodstock. There is little doubt that Joseph and Benjamin were 
family names in this branch of the White family, and the frequent 
recurrence of the names in these early years suggests the reason of 
their repetition in the family born in this town. 

Wdliam, the pioneer in 1762, was son of a Benjamin, who nuzy 
have been the Jknjamin above named, son of Joseph, but it is not 
proved. William was probably an only son. He had one sister who 

married Gates. It is very probable that Benjamin, the father, 

died while these two children were quite young. 

The town records of Goshen, in the hand-writing of William White, 
have the following statement, which is probably the earliest record 
of the family that is reliable : 

William, son of Benjamin White and Abigail, his wife, born at 
Dudley, NLirch 26, 1737, married, April 7, 1763, Marcy, daughter of 
Richard and Dorothy (Marcy) Dresser, born Sept. 18, 1742. 

The children of William and Marcy are recorded, as follows : 

Marcy, born Oct. 3, 1764, married Alpheus Naramore ; William, 
born Jan. i, 1767, died April 8, 1792; Mary, born Nov. 11, 1768, 
married Thomas Adams, May 20, 1794; Prudence, born July 16, 
1771, married John Adams, May 20, 1794; Eunice, born Nov 8, 
1773, died Jan. S, 178S ; John, born Feb. 13, 1776, died Aug. 12, 



198 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

1777; Abigail, born Apiil 2, 1778, died Jan. 13, 1788; Hannah, 
bom Au^. 20, 1780, niairied 'riniolhy Lyman ; John, born Dec. 29, 
1782, died Jan. 13, 1788; Ezra, born Dec. 27, 1784, died Jan. 29, 
1788; Joseph, born Anj;. 17, 1787; Benjamin, born Aug. 17, 1787. 

William White, Sen., died Nov. 7, 1S21 ; his wife, Jan. i, 1823. 

William, Jr., was a physician. He died and was buried in Dorches- 
ter on his way home from the South, where he had been for his 
health. 

Two sons only, of this large family, lived to enter upon active 
business, Joseph and Benjamin, twin brothers. Both resided upon 
the homestead for about tiiiity years, both men of recognized ability, 
possessing many traits of character in common, and bearing so itrcng 
a resemblance to each other in form, feature and voice, that their 
neighbors were sometimes in doubt as to which they met. 

Joseph White, born Aug. 17, 1787, married Oct. 31, i8::o, Sophia 
Huntington of Hinsdale, Mass. For seven and a half years after his 
marri.ige he remained in Goshen, during which time, with tiie ex- 
ception of six monil'.s when lie kept the hotel at ihe center of the 
town, he and his brother Benjamin cairied on tlie home farm in com- 
pany, both living in tiie same Imuse as one family. 

In the spting of 1828, he removed to Hinsdale, Mass., iiaving pur- 
chased one of the best farms in that town. Sound judgment and 
integrity, witli industiy and economy, in which his wife bote her full 
share, t;iade him a successful farmer. He was a man of scholarly 
tastes, fond of reading, and was especially familiar with the Bible. 
In early life he made a public profession of religion, uniting with the 
Congregational Church, in which he continued to be an earnest and 
consistent member. He was aKvays prominent in the town and in 
the church, and was maiked for his modesty, intelligence and piety. 
He took great interest in giving his children "a start in life,'' and 
always cheerfully aided them pecuniarily to the extent of his means. 
He died on his birth day, Aug. 18, i860, at the age of 73 years, leav- 
ing a willow and seven children, all of whom still survive. Mrs. 
White now resides with her youngest daughter, in Worcester, Mass., 
in the enjoyment of health and in the full possession of all her facul- 
ties, at the age of neaily 85 years. 

His children are : Sarah Huntington, born in Goshen, Nov. 30, 
1821, maiiied March 28, 1848, Charles T. Huntington, and now 
resides in West Brooktield, Mass. She was educated at the Academy 




Alliiityiic: Kiirln's c,,.. Ijust. 



JOSEPH H. White. 



HISTOKY OP GOSHEN. 199 

in Worthingtou and at Mt. H olyoke Semin;ity, an 1 is justly lie'd in 
high esteem for her inielligence and christian cliar.ic'er. 

Joseph Huntington, born in Goshen, Jan. 28, 1S24. In his bovhooJ, 
while upon the farm, he shovved unc )mmon energy and enterprise-. At 
the age of 22 he went to Boston and obtained a situaiion as clerk in 
a store. About a year later, lie commenced tlie retail dry good^ 
business on his own account in Manchester, N. H., in company 
with his cousins, William and Benjamin F. White. At the ex- 
piration of two years, he sold out his interest to his partners, and 
engaged in the same business on Hanover street, Boston. Jan. i, 
1854, he ((iganized the dry goods importing and jobbing firm of 
White, Browne, Davis & Co. They at once commanded a large 
trade, and gained an enviable reputation for taste in the selec- 
tion of dress ^Morls for ladies' wear. The fiini soon began to 
import largely, and in 1864 changed to a strictly importing and pack- 
age business in Boston and New York, under the style of White, 
Browr.e ivr Co. This firm did a very large and profitable business for 
ten and a half years, and was dissolved July i, 1874. Since that 
time Mr. White has been the senior partner in the firm of White, Pay- 
son & Co , the selling agents for the production of the Manchester 
Mills, located at Manchester, N. H., a corporation, which in 1874 he 
was chiefiy instrumental in re-organizinjj, and in which he is a large 
stockholder. By close attention to his business, in which he has 
shown extraordinary ability, lie has acquired a large fortune. He is 
a director in the Manchester Mills and in the Eliot National Bank. 
For more than thirty years he has been a constant attendant at the 
Central Congregational Church, of which the Rev. Joseph T. Duryea, 
U. D., is now the j^astor. He took a leading j^art in the erection of 
its magnificent church edifice, beiuii an active member of the building 
committee and contributing liberally of his means. By his counsel 
and aid, he has been of great service to his younger brotiiers. He 
married, Jan 13, 1S53, Miss Mary K. Stanyan of Chichester, N. H., 
who died Dec. ig, 1853. Was again married, Nov. 13, 1855, to 
Miss Ellen D. Tewksbury of Manchester, N. H. 

Sophia Marcy, boin in Goshen, March 6, 1S26, was educated at 
Wdliston Seminary, Easlhampton, Mass., married Dec. 29, 1851, 
Stephen J. Wilcox. She lived for many years in Boston and now 
resides in Worcester, Mass. She is an active member of the Pied- 



200 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

mont Congregational Church. Since the death of her father in i860, 
she has kindly given her mother a home in her family. 

James, bom in Hinsdale, M^rss., July 9, 1828, graduated at Williams 
College in 1S51, taught mathematics two years in VVilliston Seminary 
at Easthampton, Mass. Commenced the study of theology at Ando- 
ver, but was compelled to relinquish it on account of a disease of the 
eyes. In December, 1854, went to Boston and joined his brother 
Joseph in business ; was a member of the firm of White, Brown & Co., 
and retired from business in July, 1874. Iti 1S75 was elected to the 
Massachusetts Legislature, was two years a member of the House of 
Representatives, and also two vears a member of the Senate. He 
served on the Committees on Claims, Education and the 'I'reasury, 
and was Chairman of each of them. He was elected by the alumni 
a Trustee of Williams College, and for this year is President of the 
"Williams Alumni Association of Boston." He has taken an active 
interest in benevolent and christian woik, is a deacon in the Central 
Congtegational Church, President of "the City Missionary Society,'' 
and for this year is President of "the Congregational Club of Boston 
and vicinity." He was married. Jan. 22, 1856, to Miss Harriet Cor- 
nelia, daughter of Dr. B. F. Kittrcdge of Hinsdale, Mass. 

The Boston Advertiser, recently, advocating the election of Mr. 
White to an important office urged "the business men generally to see 
to it that their ballots bear the name of the Hon. James White. He 
has been a very prominent merchant, and is one of a family of broth- 
ers who have done much to build up the dry goods trade of Boston. 
He is also a gentleman of much experience in public affairs, having 
been a member of the house of representatives in 1876 and 1877, and 
of the senate in 1878 and 1879. He served with much distinction 
on the committees on education, claims, and the treasury, and has 
been chairinan of all of them. Especially as a member of the com- 
mittee on claims were his services of great value to the State, and 
large amounts were saved to the treasury by his careful sciutiny of 
demands upon it. He belongs to a class of citizens whom it is ex- 
ceedingly desirable to encourage to enter public life." 

Simon Huntington, born in Hinsdale, Mass., May 22, 183 i, mar- 
ried, Nov. II, 1S57, Miss Sarah A. Siaikey of Westmoreland, N. H. 
He purchased his father's farm in Hinsdale, upon which lie continues 
to reside. He has served upon the Board of .Selectmen, and has 
been prominent in agiicultural circles, having been President of the 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 201 

"Highland Agricultural Society at JMiddlefielcl, and the Berkshire at 
Piftsfield. He was a member of tiie Massachusetts LegiNlatuie in 
1874, and served upon the Committee on Prisons. He is a member 
of tlie Congregational Church. 

Jonathan Huntington, born in Hinsdale, July 25, 1836, married, 
June 28, if^yi, Miss Abhy C. Herman of Boston. He was educated 
at the Hinsdale Academy and at Williston Seminary, Easthanipton, 
Mass. He went to Boston at the age of seventeen, and was clerk 
and afterwards partner with his brother-in-law, Mr. S. J. VVilco.K, in 
the retail dry goods business-. Since March, 1865, he has been a 
partner in the firm of R. H. White & Co., and now resides in Paris, 
France, bemg the foreign buyer for his firm. 

Ralph Huntington, born Jan. 11, 1841, went to Boston at tiie age 
of eighteen years, and was cl^rk ui the retail dry go^ds store of his 
brother-in-law, Mr. S. J. Wilcox. Marcli i, 1862, when twenty one 
years of age, he purchased a half interest in a retail dry goods store 
on Hanover street, and commenced business on his own account 
under the firm name of Tower & White. At the expiration of ten 
months of a prosperous business, he sold out his interest to his part- 
ner, and joined his brother-in-law, under the firm name of Wilcox, 
White & Co., on Winter street. This firm also did a profitable busi- 
ness, which they sold out at the end of two years. At this lime, 
March i, 1865, he formed a copartnership with his brother Jonathan 
and continued business on the same street, tlv; style of the firm being 
R. H. White & Co. Here they did a huge and profitable business 
till Jan. 1877, when they removed to their present magnificent store 
on Washington street. 

At the age of twenty one \e.irs this young man left a clerkship in a 
retail dry goods store, where lie was getting six dollars per week, 
and was laying up money at that, and commenced business for him- 
self with a few hundred dollars, a p.n t of which he had earned him- 
self. At the age of forty we find him at the head of a firm, whose 
■business, built up chiefiy by his own ability, is exceeded in amount 
■by not more than three or four similar establishments in this country. 
It will not be easy to point to a similar instance, at least in Boston. 
He married, Dec. 24, 1S63, Miss Ellen M. Tucker of Andover, Mass. 

Benjamin While married first, Sophia Butler of Williamsburgh, 
1814, and had Clarissa, born Oct. 11, 1815, music teacher, resided 



202 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

in Chicago, died in Kenosha, Wis., Oct. 15, 1876 ; William, boru' 
Aug. 7, 1 8 19, merchant in Manchester, N. H., married Emeline R. 
Allen, 1843 ; Julia M.. born Dec. 28, 1820, married C. C. Dresser, 
died June 26, 1877; Henry, born March 15, 1823, married Merilla,. 
daughter of Isaac King, died March 15, 1872 ; Benjamin F., born 
Oct. 12, 1825, was in business' in Manchester, N. H., and afterwards 
in Ogdensburgh, N. Y., died Sept. 27, 1873, leaving one daughter. 

William and Emeline (Allen) White liad Lizzie, born in Goshen, 
April 2 1, 1846, and Mary, born in Manchester, July i, i8f;4. 

Mrs. Sophia, wife of Benjamin White, Sen., died Apiil 9, 1833, 
aged 41 years, ami he married, second, Mrs. Aurelia Bardwell, 
widow of Samuel Naramore. She died Aug. i r, 1869. 

Benjamin Wiiite, Esq., was so connected with nearly every jjhase 
of public business in the town, parish and cliurch, ili;it a hisiory 'A 
either reflects more or less of his history. He was equal to the 
duties of ar,y and every position to which he was called. He was 
not ambitious for office. Modest and unassuming:, his abilities ^vere 
far in advance of his aspirations. He filled the r>ftice of Town C-leik, 
with rare aliilitv, for a long period ; was ;iie principal Justice (>f the 
Peace for many ve^rs ; wus a member of the Legislature, and also 
of ihe Convention for revising the Constitution ; and was for one or 
more terms one of the Special County Commissioners for Hamp- 
shire County. He was ]Me eminently a man of j^eace. He depre- 
cated personal jealousies and neighboihood and town quar'els, and 
chose to incur ihe displeasure of the contending parties, rather than 
to aid eiihcr in keeping up strife. Yet he was sensitive to criticism, 
but no amount of contumely or opposition could turn him from what 
he believed to be the right course. He was a true gentleman, pure- 
minded as a woman, thoroughly honest, and a sincere christian. 
He died Jan. 25, 1873, aged 85 years. 

William White, son of Benjamin, was for many years a prominent 
dry goods merchant in Manchester, N. H., where he is highly 
esteemed for his integiiiv and for his generous devotion to the inter- 
ests of his customers. Goshen has not produced a more obliging 
friend or genial companion i.han he. 

Rev. Joel Wiight was horn in Milford, N. H., Jan. 26, 1784, 
Educated at Dartmouth College, he cOok high rank as a scholar, 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 203 

and also for a deep an-] ardent devotion to tliecanseof Christ. His 
theological studies were under th(^ direction of the Rev. Dr. Payson, 
of Rinclgf, N. H. A'^ter his ordination, he was first settled in the work 
of the ministr\% at Leverelt, Mass. From that place he was called 
to the pasto'ateof the church and society in Goshen, where, for about 
eight years, the work of the Lord j^rospered in his hands ; many 
being brought to a love and acknowledgment of the truth, as well 
by the private, godly walk and conversation of the man, as by the 
public ministrations of the pastor. 

Subsequently Mr. Wright was called to a parish in Vermont ; but, 
after a few years of labors there, the climate of the Green Mountains 
being loo stvtTf for his lic-dih, never verv robust, he removed to New 
Hampsliire. I'.ul, after son^e six y-a^s residence in that State, fail- 
ing liealth anil cilliei' cii cuuisiances induced him t > return to Massa- 
chusetts, where he continued to les'de until ilie Sth of June, 1859 ; 
when, witli aidenr lon-ings for ihe 1 st which remaineth for the peo- 
ple of God, he wen! Iiume lo the Falhei's house on high. 

Mr. Wright was e'liiuenily a man of God. Whether in the retire- 
ment of his study or in ni^tering to and among his people, the chief 
consideration was, how he could best promote the spiritual welfare of 
those over wliom the \{q.\ Ghost hat^ made him overseer. To the 
visiuiion of his people m their homes, or to the sanctuary^ where he 
met them to dispense the words of Life, he always went from his 
closet, where he had sought for wisdom and grace for the work 
befoie him. In his preaching, as well as in the preparation of ser- 
mons, he sought not so much to please the fancy of his hearers, as 
to place before them the sublime truths of the Gospel in such plain 
and simple, yet eloquent forms, as to win their hearts to the love and 
obedience of Christ. 

And his daily life was consistent with his preaching. Always fore- 
most in every good cause, he not only pointed souls to Heaven, but 
himself led tiie way. During a nunislr\- of almost one-third of a cen- 
tury, that portion of it passed at Goshen was, to Mr. Wright, the 
most satisfactory in the retrospect, both in his relations with ihe pQO- 
ple and the fruits of his labors. The lies of friendship and christian 
fellowship there formed, were kept fresh, either by correspondence 
or personal intercourse with members of lh.it parish down to the 
closing up of earthly relations by the hand of death. The families of 
the L\mans, Billings, Packards, Stones, and others which might be 



204 HISTORY OP GOSHEN. 

named, were amonji; the cherished ones in nieinor}-. But these con- 
temporaries of his work have, like him, passed within the veil ; and, 
as it is humbly hoped, are now reunited in the presence of Him whom 
they so faithfully served together, in time ; even Jesus, their Re- 
deemer and Saviour. 

Of the children of Rev. Mr. Wright who survived him, the eldest 
son. Rev. D. Grosvenor Wright, D. D., is a clergyman of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal church, and resides in the slate of New York. An- 
other son, T. Spencer Wright, M. D., is a prominent physician and 
surgeon, at Fond-du-Lac, Wisconsin. The eldest daughter, who was 
born in Goshen, is the accomplished wife of Dr. A. L. Hoyt, also 
residing in Fond du-Lac. One of the grandsons of Rev. Mr. Wright, 
J. W. Wright, M. D.. is Professor of Surgery in the medical depart- 
ment of the "University of New York City." 

Rev. J. E. M. Wiight, present pastor of the church, is a lineal de- 
scendant, in the seventh generation, of Thomas Cushman, the succes- 
sor of Brewster in the eldership at Plymouth. He was the only son 
of Robert Cushman, whom Gov. Bradford was wont to call the "Right 
hand of the Pilgrims," and of Mary Allerton, the daughter of Isaac 
Allerton, the youngest passenger in tlie Mayflower. Slie died at the 
age of 90 years, the last survivor of the Pilgrim band. 

His mother was Wealthy, daughter of Caleb Cushman of Goshen. 
She married Jonathan Wright of Northampton, in 1799. He is the 
youngest of their nine children, and was born in Jackson, Maine, Jur.c 
23, 1822. 

From his earliest years he had a great desire for a collegiate edu- 
cation ; and ever afier he became personally interested in religion 
felt that no other profession or occupation but the ministry would 
satisfy him. . Circumstances prevented the fulfilment of his cherisiied 
wish for a liberal education ; the lack of which, he ,ti"ied to supply as 
far as possible by spending all the lime he could command in study- 
ing, both alone and with private tutors, such branches as would es- 
pecially fit him for the work of the ministry. After some ten years' 
expciience in teaching and preparatory study, lie entered the Bangor 
Theological Seminary in 1849, and graduated in 1852. 

That same autumn he entered upon missionary work in Penobscot 
Co., Maine, having been previously married to Miss Evelina Gilbert 
of Goiham, Maine. He was ordained as an Evangelist, at Burling- 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 205 

ton, Maine, Oct. 25, 1N52. Here he labored with much pleasure and 
a reasonable degree of success, for about four years and a half, wiien 
he accepted a call to become the pastor of a newly organized church 
in Rockport, Maine. Tliis was a rapidly growing village, with many 
young, enterprising, ])ublic-spirited men. Having had much experi- 
ence in dealing with all classes of men, he applied himself very 
closely to study, and now entered upon his work as a settled pastor 
full of hope and enthusiasm. Here he hoped to spend his days and 
see a large church grow up under iiis care and God's blessing. But 
after several years of prosperity, the war clouds began to gather, and 
at length the Rebellion burst forth. From the first he felt called 
upon to do something for the union cause. With this feeling grow- 
ing deeper and stronger he enlisted as a private, in Dec, 1863. As 
a consequence of this, in part at least, about thirty others enlisted in 
h is village that same week ; many of whom distinguished themselves 
by efifective work in putting down the Rebellion. But he was 
rejt^cted for physical disability, having just then some temporary 
inflammation of the lungs. All these facts soon found their way into 
the local papers, and through them to the state regiments at the 
front, and without any agency of his, resulted in his appointnv;nt as 
Chaplain of the Sth Regimenr, Maine Volunteers. He was commis- 
sioned by the Governor, and mustered into the United States service, 
March i, 1864, at Beaufort, S. C. He served in that capacity ti!l the 
close of the war, being soon transferred to Virginia and sent to the 
front, participating in every skirmish, fight and battle, in which the 
regiment was engaged, except one, including the battle of ('old Har- 
bor, the siege of Petersburg and the surrender of Gen. Lee at 
Appomattox. 

After several months spent in Richmond, Va , he received a call 
to become the acting pastor of the Congregational Church in Orleans, 
Barnstable Co., Mass. Here he began his work in Nov., 1865, not 
giving himself any time to rest after tht; constant excitement and 
taxation of army life. He had had several attacks of intermittent 
fever in the aimy without leaving his regiment. Soon after resum- 
ing his pastoral duties, he found his strength giving way. .Sickness 
and death repeatedly visited his family he also met with a severe 
injury. All these causes combining, at length he was prostrated by 
, disease and brought close to death's door. A merciful Provi- 
dence raised him up in a measure, but finding his labors too great 



206 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

lor Iiis strength, he resigned his char^^e and gave himself up to rest", 
for four years and a lialf with a people wliose Christian kindness 
could not; be excelled. He was next installed pastor of the Congre- 
gational Church in Upton, VVorcestei' C<^., where he labored about 
four years and a half, and then removed to Needham, where he re- 
mained a little more than five years, laboring with great joy, and a 
good degree of encouragement and success. But in all these places, 
since his return from the war, he has worked in much weakness and 
several times has been brougiit t) the brink of the grave. In all his 
fields of labor. God has blessed his efforts with frequent conversions 
and additions to the churches, and in all, except Orleans, with special 
revivals of religion, including the army. At Oi leans, it was his priv- 
ilege to garner and care for the ripened slieaves reaped by another. 
Last December he was installed pastor of the old church in 
Goshen with which his godly mother connected herself in the fresh- 
ness and hope of early life. " To her, under God," he says, " I owe 
more than I have power to express. She consecrated me to the work 
of the ministry from my infancy ; trained me in tlie nurture and 
admonition of the Lord, anJ inslructetl me in the great truths and 
corresponding duties of our holy religion in my youth ; dying sud- 
denly, with all the members of the family present except myself, she 
left me this message, ' Study to know what duty is and then do it.' 
This [ have ever tried to make the rule of niv lite." 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN 



207 



SUPPLEMENTARY. 
ADDITTOISrS AND CORR.EGTIOlSrS. 



It should he said bv way of explanation in regard to the family sketches that the original 
plan of the writ.r was t . give ,Mches rather than c,e>u>aloffles, but as the work and printing 
pro-ressed, the plan was somewhat change.!, and the details were more extended. The 
Ltl of births, .leathsan.l marriages tliat follow the sketches, will supply to some extent 
the lack of these particulars in the sketches. 

Joshua Abell, Jr., married, second. Poll) , who died Nov. 14, 

1S46, aged 84. 

Children of Abner and Lois Baker : Waters, born July 27, 1796; 
Art^mas, born S.pt. 5, 179^ ; Theodore, born April 26, 1801 ; 
Nahtim, born Feb. 28, 1803. This family removed to the West. 

Daniel Beals married Hannah, daughter of David Stearns, and 
had : Eiias, who married Polly Bates, 1832 ; John, married Rosina 
Bales- David, married Climena Bates, Jan. 11, 1827. David had 
Laura! who married Chester M. Fuller, 1847. Mr. and Mis. Fuller 
had Elleon Adclla, born June 28, 1S52. 

Gershom Bates was son of Nehemiah. Gershom had several 
brothers, Nehemiah, Asa and Levi of Cummington; Solomon of Ches- 
terfield, father of Hudson ; Ephraim, of Plainfield ; Jacob, of Ver- 
mont ; Eliab, of New York. 

Luther Bates, son of Gershom, married Lucinda Hersey in 1835, 
and about twenty years later removed to Heath. 

Dexter Beals, grandson of the " Mountain Miller." married Julia, 
dauohter of WiUard Packaid. and had Pamelia, born Apiil 3, 1831, 



208 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

mariiecl John Kinney, Jan. 29, 1852 ; Joseph, born Sept. 2, 1832 ;, 
Malesta P., born March 10, 1834, Hie'l Oct. 22, 1843 ; Elizabeth A., 
born Sept. 3, 1835 ; Luther H. ; Julia B. ; Em;;liiie F., born July 29, 
1842 ; Malesta G., born Feb. 22, 1844 ; Mary Aiabella, born July 
15, 1846 ; Harriet C, born April 3, 1S48 ; Dexter J., Aug. 28, 1850 ;. 
Abbie A., born July 6, 1852; Homan, born Dej. 18, 1854. Mr. 
Beals removed to Wisconsui, Dec, 1856, and after a residence of a 
few years returned to this State, and now lives in Easthampton. 
During his residence in Goshen, Mr. Beals was engaged for several 
years in the business of selling and setting out shads trees. He was 
a pioneer "Village Improvement Society," and probably set out more 
maple and other shade trees in the Connecticut valley than any man 
of his time. 

Joseph Beals married Martha Rogers, Oct. 28, 1853. Children: 
Julia E., born May 17, 1870; Eleanor L., born Aug. 16, 1871; 
Joseph D., born June 13, 1875. 

Luther H., is a manufacturer in VVeslfield. Homan is in business, 
in New York. 

George Barrus (page 140), died May 15, 1868, not 1869. Levi 
Barrus married second, Elvira (Warner) Allis, Feb. 22, 1S54. and had 
a son, born Jan. 3, died Jan. 23, 1856. 

Alvan Barrus (y^^gt 141), was born in 1831, not 1841. He received 
his first commission as Justice of the Peace in 1867. 

Patience Barrows married, 3d, Salah Clark, Esq. (page 140). 

M. Huldah should read married Huldah. 

David Carpenter came to Goshen, in 1806, with Ezra his father, 
from Savoy, where they had lived about twelve years. David was 
born in Attleboro, his father in Rehoboth. 

Ezra Brackett came to this town in 1839, from Hawley, and after 
a residence of about twenty years removed to Worthington with his 
son Ezra. His wife died there, and he has since returned to this 
town and resides with Henry T. Godfrey, who married his daughter 
Susannah. Another daughte -, Hannah C, married Anson W. God- 
frey, May 16, 1840 ; Ruth married Newman Bartlett, June 29, 1848 ; 
Olive married Wm. Porter, Jurfe 22, 1858; Ellen married Heman 
White, Jan. 17, i860. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 209 

Rev. Ralph Cushinan, after leaving college, tauglu the Academy in 
Belfast, Me. One of his pupils was the late Hon. George VV. Crosby, 
Member of Congress and Governor of Maine. He always remem- 
bered his early teacher, and often spoke of the loveliness of his char- 
acter and his remarkable talent as a singer. In a ir.nsical history of 
Andover Theological Semin-iry, Mr. Cushman was ranked as one of 
the be'^t three singers that ever graduated from that insiitmion. His 
nephew, Rev. J. E. M. VViight, gives the date of his death Augu-t 
II, which differs from the record quoted on page 58. 

It was said of him, " His sickness and death were, like his life, a 
bright example of Christian meekness, patience and holy confidence 
in his Divine Master." Another said, " In the trying situation he 
was called to occupy, lie never was thrown off his balance." An- 
other, '• I do believe that he had more of the mind of Christ than 
any man with whom I have been acquainted." 

The musical talent of the Cushman family was of rare excellence, 
and is a prominent trait in many of their descendants. C. C. Dresser, 
son of Vesta Cushman, owned a church organ, and was a skillful 
performer on that and other instruments. He used his organ in the 
church for many years as an aid and accompaniment to the choir. 
Wealthy Cushman, the mother of the present pastor, was a fine singer 
and read music very readily. She obtained her musical education 
in the singing schools of this town. Her means of conveyance was 
on horseback, seated upon a pillion behind her brother Rufus. 

XoTE.— While writing- tlie above lines, a member of tlie writer's family read the fol- 
lowing startling anuoiuicemeut from the Bostoji Eveninrj TrareUer of April 11 : 

"Joseph Ilawkes, the well-known keeper of the Goshen (^lass.) IlighlanilHonse, known 
thron-hout Hampshire County, dropped dead while walking u)) the aisle of the church of 
that town on Sunday." 

A later account states that he was in his accustomed place at the head of the choir Sumlay 
morning, April 10. He walked over fnmi his house in the afternoon in company with Ins 
Ijrothera'n-law, .Mr. Hiram Packard. They parted in the vestibule, INIr. Packard entering 
the audience room, Mr. Hawks ascending the north stairway leading to tlic choir. Proba- 
bly feeling unwell, after passing up one or two steps, he seemed to have turned togo.lowii, 
wiienhefell to the lloor, and immediately ceased to breathe. The cause <if <lealh was 
doubtless disease of the heart. 

Major Hawks was a man of many excellent traits of chaiactcr, whole-soule.l, sympathetic 
•ind-enerous. He tilled for a long period a large place in tlie community. He had been 
postmaster of the town for about twenty-live years, and keeper of the hotel for about the 
same length of time. His connection with the choir was almost without parall( J. For about 
ii'ftv-seven years his connection witli it has been continuous, and for nearly the whole time 
he lias served as one of its leaders. He possessed a voice of remarkable powor and sweet 



210 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Albert B. Dresser furnishes the following items : "When my 
grandfather, Moses Dresser, was a boy, he helped drive a drove of 
cattle to Boston. During his journey he saw a bass-viol, the first he 
had ever seen. He examined it closely, and after his return home 
set about making one for himself. Fearing that his father might 
think it a waste of time and material, he worked out of sight of the 
house, and on a large flat rock completed the instrument. It proved 
to be a good one, and is now in possession of his son Levi, of Russell, 
N. Y. 

'•One of Burgoyne's men, a Hessian, settled near the Simeon Cowles 
place. His shanty finally burned dovvn and he left the place. 

"I have a bear trap that was made liy Seth Pomeroy before the 
Revolutionary war. His initials, ' S. P.,' are still visible upon it. 
I have also the stone that Dea. Oliver Taylor used in his tannery in 
sharpening his currier's knife. It still bears the marks of the knife, 
though it has been cut down to a size that permits its use in the 
hayfield." 

Children of Caleb C. and Julia M. Dresser : Sophia B., born 
March 30, 1846 ; Albert B., born March 5, 1848 ; Helen M., born 
June 19, 1850; Edward, born Sept. 14, 185?, died Aug. 7, 1854; 
Charles, born June 2, 1856, died Jan. 24, 1859 ; Martha, born Feb. 
16, 1859 ; Laura M., born July 8, 1862 ; Hattie, born July 23, 1864. 
{Corredion. — Albert B. and his three younger sisters reside on the 
Capt. Reuben Dresser homestead.) 

Sophia B., daughter of Caleb C. Dresser, married E. P. Bridgman 
(not Joseph C, page 145,) member of the 37th Regiment of Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers, the well-known army correspondent — "E. P. B." 
— of the HampsJiire Gazette. Miss Dresser, previous to her marriage, 
was engaged for some time in teaching a government school at the 
Indian agency under Maj. Joseph Bridgman, cousin of "E. P. B." 
Miss Dresser, inheriting the Cushman musical talent, was a leading 
member of one of the church choirs in Westfield'for quite a period 
before going west. 

Children of George and Alvey Dresser: Henry B., born Dec. 17, 
1849 ; George C, born Feb. 18, 1852 ; Vesta C, born Sept. 8, 1854. 

ness, that, so far as the writer knows, M'as never heard iu a- song that was not proper to be 
Bung in tlic house of M'orship. He died at tlie post of duty, and will bo missed and remem- 
bered for many years. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 211 

Abnei" Damon (page 144), married I^ovisa, not Louisa. His daugh- 
ter Lovisa married Oman Bartlett. Abner, Jr., married Miranda, 
daughter of Solomon Bates. 

Incidents llclatcd by Capf. John Grant in 1854. 

Ebenezer Parsons, father of Justin, died of small pox in 1777, in 
the house where J. Milton Smith lives. Mrs. Chapin, daughter of 
William Hallock, died of the same disease. 

Col. Ezra May was at the taking of Burgoyne. He took a violent 
col^l, did not immediately return home, but never recovered from it. 
He, as Major, and Christopher Banister as Captain, Asa Grant and 

Harris of this town as private soldiers, went down towards 

New York wiih others, to watch the movements of Howe's army. 

Rev. Dr. Lyman of Hatfield, an earnest Whig, was preaching in 
Williamsburgh on the Sabbath morning when word came that men 
were wanted at Bennington. He went home after the service, prom- 
ising to join such as would go to Bennington the next morning. He 
was as good as his word, and was promptly on hand, armed and 
equipped for active servicA 

Rev. Dr. Parsons of Amherst was considered a 'Tory. He told 
Dr. Lyman that he dreamed of seeing a large bull fighting a small 
one at Hockanum — near Mt. Holyoke — and thesmall one conquered 
the other. "Very good," replied Dr. Lyman, "Very good, sir. I 
can interpret that dream : John Bull and the Yankees ; and John 
Bull is going to get whipped. But I do not understand why the 
Lord should reveal anything to a torj'." 

Asa Grant, father of Capt. John, was a soldier in the French and 
Indian war. He was under Col. Williams, the founder of Williams 
College. The Colonel made his will in Albany as they were going 
up to Fort Edward. While Grant and his comrades were building a 
breastwork, Colonel Williams went forward to meet the French and 
Indians and was killed. 

Old Mr. James Packard had nine slaves fall to him by way of his 
wife. He had them sent here, and made arrangements for disposing 
of them to different parties. Squire Snell of Cummington was to 
have two, but before they were distributed, slavery in Massachusetts 
came to an end, and the negroes became their own masters. 

Julia Hawks, the teacher, married M. Bertrand Gardel, not Hen ry, 



212 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

as given on page 147. She died while in the Ea=;t, Feb. 28, 1859, 
in a tent about a half day's journey from Damascus. 

George S. Hunt, of Northampton, son of Lowell, married Fannie 
Stickney of Greenfield, June 14, 1866. Children: Alfred S. ; Willie 
A. ; Charles L. ; Frank H. 

The following interesting account of the early James families, 
which will correct some errois in the previous pages, was received 
from Luther James, Esq., of Ann Arbor, Mich., too late for insertion 
in its proper place. Mr. James has heretofore shown in practical 
ways his interest in his native town. The substantial iron gate at 
the entrance of the cemetery was a donation from him. 

John, Philip and Thomas came from England. Lands were 
granted to Philip and Francis James in Cohasset — then included in 
Hingham — in 1638. 

John James, 4lh generation, married Deborah Bates of Pembroke, 
Mass. 

Children : John, Jr., bom 1744; Deborah, bom March 23, 1746 ; 
Francis of Boston, born May 13, 1749 ; Enoch of Boston, born Aug. 
24, 1751 ; Sarah, born Sept. 13, 1755, married Job Turner of Boston ; 
Thomas, born July 11, 1758, removed from Cohasset to Chesterfield, 
1770, and married Susannah Collier. She was born in Scituate, 
April 19, 1756, and died Nov. 4, 1820. Thomas James died in 
Westhampton, March i, 1834. 

John James, Jr., born 1744, married Lois Beals of Cohasset, April 
4, 1765. She was born July 20, 1746. 

Children : Moses, born Oct. 23, 1766, married Rebecca Ripley, 
Jan. 13, 1785 ; Malachi, born July 9, 1767, married Elizabeth 
Lyman, Feb. 18, 1790; Lois, born May 29, 1769, married Josiah 
Beals, Oct. i, 1789 ; Betsey, born March 17, 1771, married Amherst 
Harvvood, June 20, 1793 ; Sallie born July 25, 1773, married Caleb 
Damon, Nov. 21, 1795; Deborah, born Jan. 6, 1777, married Benj. 
Pierce, June 26, 1799 ; Ruth, born Nov. 27, 1778, died May 24, 1781. 

John James, Jr., removed to Goshen in 1769 ; died July 11, 1804. 
His wife, Lois, died Oct. 5, 1810. 

Elizabeth, wife of Capt. ]\L\lachi James, died July 9, 1856 ; 
Lyman, son of Capt. Jame-<, born March 25, 1825, died Dec. 16, 
1830 ; Sophia, died at Chelsea, Mich., Jan. 16, 1879, aged 87 ; Clar- 



HIST(JKY OF GOSHEK. 



213 



issa, died Aug. 15, 1876; Maria/married May 31, 1S55. died in 
Ashfield, Oct. 15, 1876; Lewis L., married Jan. 25, 1832, died in 
Dexter, Midi., Aug. 17, 1880. Enoch James married A. R. Dwight 
of Belchertown, Jan. 18, 1825. 

John James, Jr., and John Williams were partners in trade from 
1779 to 1793. Their accounts were kept in pounds, shillings and 
pence. Their store was the only one in the vicinity for several 
years. The goods were brought from Boston with ox teams. The 
old store was taken down in 1876. 

On the night of Sept. 7, 1821, two large barns with sheds attached, 
fuU of hay, grain, flax, &c., belonging to Capt. James, were destroyed 
by fire. 

John James, Sen., built the fist church in Cohasset, probably 
pbout 1747. It was reporiedat a parish meeting in 1750 that the 
meeting house had been completed at a cost of four thousand 
pounds. Tnis church is s.-U standing. The oM family homestead 
in Cohasset, bu'lt over 200 ye?=-s ago, is siill in good condition. 
The limbers a'e cedar, and additions have been made to the original 
house. 

F. W. Lyman, writing from his Flo- ida residence, in Spring Gar- 
den Centre, Volusia Co., under date of March 5, 1881, expresses his 
"appreciation of the labor of rescuing from oblivion the 'short and 
simple annals of t'^e poor.' Good blood," he writes, " went up to 
the hill towns. No doubt some ' rude inglo'ious Miltons' lhe>e may 
rest ;' ' some C'omwells goiltless of their country's blood.' Religion 
and patriotism struck ihe^r roots deep in the uigged soil, and if corn 
and cattle were less luxuriant, men and women, in (he best English 
sense, grew there." 

"My great grandmother, on the Lyman side, was Thankful Ponie- 
roy, sister of Gen. Seth ; and on the Smith side, my grandmother was 
a friend and neighbor of Gen. Putnam. My grandfather Lyman was 
a lieutenant on the side of the government in th e fight at Springfield, 

[Note nv the Compiler.— Mv. Enodi .James, with liisbrother, Lc\vi3L.,-n-aslai-gely en- 
ga;jc(l iu Willianisburgh, for many years In nvercautilc and manufacturing pursuits. The 
store and manuiucturing are .sail continued by Henry L. and L. D. James, sous of Enoch, 
-vvho.seem to retain the business tacu and enLerpiise that have been for .so long a period, 
conspicuous in the James family.] 



214 ' HISTORY OF GOSHEiSr. 

duiiiig the Shay's insiinection. He took, in a two horse sleigh, a 
squad of his men, of whom one Walker was shot in the sleigh." * * 

From sources entitled to confidence, it appears that Rev. Justin 
Parsons had a larger family of children than have been named in the 
previous pages. The following list probably includes them all : 

Lucretia, baptised 1789, who married Rev. Daniel O. Morton, and 
resided in Shoreham, Vt. ; Asahel, baptised Sept. 5, 1790; Levi^ 
born 1792, n)issionary to Palestine; Luther, baptised Feb. 21, 1795 ; 
Calvin, baptised May 6, 1798; Electa, baptised July 20, 1800; 
Electa, baptised Aug. 5, 1804. Mrs. Mary P. Webster writes : "Ira 
Parsons married a Miss Bardwell, sister of the wife of Dea. Asahel 
Billings.'' 

Benjamin Parsons, Jr., resided and practiced law for some vears, 
in Chesterfield. He was secretary of the Hampshire .Musical Society 
ii> 1801, and in 1805-8 represented the town in the Legislature. 

Dea. Oliver Taylor kept a daily record of the weather from 1796 
till 1S27. His grandson, Mr. Emmons Putnev, continued it from 
that time onward, and has the whole now(iSSi) in his po.ssession. 
The house of Mr. Putney was the residence of Rev. Mr. Whitman 
and family, for neaily foriy years. The chimney was built of brick 
made by Deacon Brown, of clay, taken from the bed of the reservoir. 
Mr. Putney has an old-fashioned eight day clock, made by Lsaac Gere. 
It is claimed it has been known to run for a year without varying 
from true time. Mr. Putney and others are authority for the state- 
ment, that Capt. Reuben Dresser procured sufficient pine lumber 
from a single tree on his farm, for building his hotel in the 
village. The lumber from another pine tree from the same lands, is 
said to have sold for eighty dollars in the days when lumber was 
cheap. The lumber from the original forest trees was excellent 
iir quality and durability. The shingles on the north roof of Major 
Stone's house lasted nearly seventy years. 

The following extracts from a letter written by Rev. J. C. Thomp- 
son in 186 1, in reference to renewing his labors among the people of 
Goshen, are worth preserving, showing as they do, the christian spirit 
of the man and his attachment to the people of his early minis- 
trations : 

"I ouglit to liavesaid before that I have no wisli to settle in any parish at present, 



IIISTOKY OF GOSH EX. 215 

and this on account of my health. Should I continue to l)e able to labor for a year 
or two to come, as I have for the past two or three years. I might perhaps consent 
to take a permanent charge. But for the present, I am quite sure it will be better, 
both for myself and for the people, to whom I may minister, tiiat my relations to 
them be that of "stated supply." 

"It is certainly very gratifying to receive from the people. in Goshen, such expres- 
sions of interest in me, and of favorable appreciation of my poor services. They 
awaken a response in my own bosom, which tempts me to leap over other consid- 
erations and give at once an affirmative decision to the question before me. 

"But I have been a dull disciple in the school of Christ, to have lived thus long 
and yet not learn that the will of the Master, and not our own inclination, must be 
our guide. * * « j would not run before being sent by the Great 

Head of the church. If He shall say go, most cheerfully will I once more pitch my 
tent among the friends and'their descendants, and among the sepulchres of friends 
of more youthful days, and in the place which to me is so full of interesting and 
grateful mtPi'vi'^-. «■ « « Yours very coidially, 

J. C. Thompson. 

JMi. Thompson was ordained first pastor of ibe second church in 
Rowe, Mass., Oct. 28, 1835, dismissed June ^9' ^^37>^'^^ settled over 
the Congregational church in Goshen the same year. He married 
Lucy Ann, daughter uf Dr. Chenery of Holden. 

Chirdren : John Chenery, born June 14, 1838 ; Edward Payson, born 
March 9, 1840; I>izzie, mairied C. J. Humiston^ and resides in 
Holyoke, Mass. 

Mr. Thompson preached in Cummington for a year, and in other 
places, but his health proving unequal to pastoral duties, he re- 
tired from the profession, and for many years has been in business 
in lielvidere, Illinois. 

Children of Daniel and Betty W'yman : Daniel, born Feb. 3, 1765 
William, born Jan. 12, 1771 ; Artemas, born Dec. 19, 1771 ; Joseph, 
born Dec. 26, 1774; Nahum, born Jan. 27, 1777; John, born Oct. 
21, 1780; David, born Nov. 25, 1782. The eldest two were born in 
Brookfield, the others in Goshen. 

Rev. T. H. Rood, foot of page 62, not J. H. 

John Stearns, page 178, marrietl Abigail, tlaughler of John Wil- 
liams. 

V((s/il/ 'I'itton, page 177, not Vasti. 

Ellen E. Smith, page 170, was born 1834. 

f^'raiKon, page 16S, is usually written Cranston. 



216 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Af(er Reuben Smith, page 71, No. 44, insert J. Milton Smith. 

The date of birth of Phebe, daughter of Thomas Weeks, page i8o> 
is given in another record as August 31, 1733. 

Col. Nehemiah M ay, page 154, died Sept. 10. Susannali May, 
died June 14. 

F. C. Richardson, page 72, not J. C. 



Marriages not PrevioLisly Inserted. 

James Halbert and Mary Selden, Aug. 15, 1781. 
David Childs and Clarissa Dickenson, June 17, 1784. 
William Damon and Ruth Whitcomb, May 27, 1784. 
Hugh Thompson and Sarah White, Feb. 7, 1787. 
-Jx)seph Thayer and Anna Putney, Feb. i 1787. 
Joshua Abell and Dolly Parsons, Dec. 12, 1787. 
Nathaniel Abell and Eunice French, Dec. 7, 1788. 
James Whitcomb and Nancy Hunt, Dec. 18, 1790. 
Stephen Grover and Margaret Beman, Feb. 24, 1793. 
Ebenezer Bird and Widow Molly White, Jan. 23, 1794. 
Benjamin Wait and Polly Mott, June 2, 1794. 
Silas Blake and Parnal Beswick, March 20, 1794. 
Joseph Mott and Naomi Lyons, April 12, 1792. 
Origen Orcutt and Eunice Ripley, March 3, 1796. 
Oliver Thayer and Hannah Vining, Jan. 19, 1797. 
John Snow and Anna Forbes, Oct. 12, 1797. 
Justin Parsons and Electa Frary, Oct. 30, 1788. 
Josiah Beals of Windsor and Lois James, Oct. i, 1789. 
Adonijah Taylor of Williamsburgh andZeruiah Snow, Nov. 5, 1789. 
Wm. Murray and Polly Palmer, April 13, 1790. 
Jacob Kilburn and Hannah Alden, Sept 9, 1790. 
J. Osgood and Sarah Standish, Sept. 9, 1790. 
Solomon Parsons and Lucinda Packard, Nov. 25, 1790. 



TirSTOEY OF GOSHEN. 217 

Chas. Beswick, J'"-, of Chestei field and Jvlary Vinton, Nov. 25, 1790. 

Jonas Rich and Jennie Selden, Nov. 28, 1790. 

Alpheus Pearse and Mary Hallock, Feb. 23, 1792. 

Pliilip Smith of VVhateley and Rebekah Tower, March 7, 1792. 

John Alden, 2d, and Tabitha McNight, March 8, 1792. 
,;^ Asa Strong of Greenfield and Sarah Putney, April 26, 1792. 

Versal Banister of Windsor and Hannah Packard, Feb. 19, 1793. 
/ Josiah Hayden, Jr., and Esther HaHock, March 21, 1793. 

Amherst Harwood of Windsor and Betsey James, June 20, 1793. 

Joshua Porter and Jenna Luce, June 27, 1793. 

Nathan Morgan of Pownal and Lydia Orr, July 4, 1793. 

Joel Chapin of Worthington and Ab'gaU Hallock, Sept. 26, 1793- 

Daniel Perkins of PI ainfield and Patty HaUock, Jan. 29, 1794. 

Ebenezer Hawkins of Williamstown and Rebekah Jipson, Feb. 
16, 1794. 

Win. Arms, Jr., of Deerfield and Mercy Snow, March 4, 1794. 

Benjamin Southwick of Northampton and Elizabeth Polly, Feb. 
16, 1795. 

John Abell of Fairfield, Vt., and Ruth Grant, Feb. 18, 1795. 

Elijah Luce of Williamsburgh and Mehitabel Howes, March 
16, 179J. 

Thomas Orcutt and Sally Carpenter, April 23, 1795. 

Joseph Collins and Esther Fuller, Aug. 20, 1795. 
-^-— Aaron Putney and Deborah Maynard, Aug. 29, 1795. 

Alpheus Darling and Lois K'.'llogg, Dec. 24, 1795. 

Abner Brown and Susannah Tower, Oct. 9, 1796. 

Moses Shepard and Fanny Allen, (colored) Nov. 6, 1796. 

Asa Bates and Jerrima K'ngman, Nov^. 17, 1796. 

Daniel Kellogg, Jr., and Lucy Weeks, Jan. 22, 1797. 

Zsnas Leland of Asbfield and Azubah Ful'e' , March 16, 1797. 

Marsena Sanderson of Deerneld and Zilpbah Fuller, March 
29, 1797. 

Silas Pain'ck and Nabby Gates, June 8, 1797. 

Asa Turner and Lydia Willcutt, July 2, 1797. 

Abell Olds and Elioner Billington, July 6, 1797. 

John Manter of Asbfield and Rebekah Snow, July 26, 1797. 

Josiah Hannum of Williamsburgh and Dolly Banister, Feb. 6, 1798. 

Roswell Stevens of New Hartford and Molly King, Sept. 2, 17 98. 



218 HTSTOKY OF GOSH EX. 

Benjamin Pierce, Jr., of Chesterfield and Dolly Janus, June 
26, 1799. , 

Lot Hall of Ashiitld and Sally Jipson, July 6, 1799. 
John C. L\inaii and Susannali Burgess, Nov. 7, 1799. 
:^ John Salmon and Polly Putney, Nov. 21, 1799. 
Matthew Keith and Lucieiia Jipson, Jan. 30, 1800. 
Asahel S'.oodley of St. Albans, Vt., and Lgydia Beals, Jan. 22, 1801. 
Eleazer Blake and Ruth Beals, Jan. 22, 1801. 
Joseph Rhoades, 3d, and Esther Knight, Jan. 29, 1801. 
David Wilds of Williamsburgh and Charlotte Gustin, Sept. 10, iSoi. 
William Harrington and Hannah Davidson, Dec. 17, iSoi. 
Dea. Joseph Cutler of Brookfield and Widow Judith Brown, Jan. 
24, 1802. 

Solomon Bates of Chesterfield and Nabby Willcutt, April 6. 1^02. 
Ansel Amadon and Susannah Parker, April 29, 1802. 
Doctor Ellis Coney and Sarah Grover, Sept. 26, 1802. 
- John Smith, Jr., and Hannah Putney, Oct. 21, 1802, 

Joseph Carey, 3d, of Wiliiamsburgh and Freelove Fuller, Jan. 
13, 1803. 

Gershom Bates and Patty Parker, Feb. 3, 1803. 
Wijlard Cleaveland and Sally Strong, March 10, 1803. 
Benjamin Jones and Polly Jipson, Marcit 23, 1803. 
Samuel Snow and Temperance Luce, Dec. 8, 1803. 
Eleazer C. Leonard of Wortlungton and Hannah Salmon, Jan. 
18, 1804. 

Wm. H. Parker of Charlemont atkl Nancy Aldridge, Jan. 25, 1804. 

Joshua Abel], Jr., and Phebe Cathcarr, March 8, 1804. 

Luke Keith of Cummington and Hannah Willcutt, April 3, 1804. 

Joshua Sansamon and Hannah Dunham, Sept. 7, 1804. 

John Glass of Peru and Phebe Davis, Nov. 29, 1804. 

Mitchell Dawes of Cuinmington and Mercy Burgess, Jan. 1, 1805 

Amzi Childs of Deerfield and Rhoda Snow, Jan. 10, 1S05. 

Simeon Hurd of Sandgate, Vt., and Rebekah Jones, Jan. 27, 1805. 

James King of Ashfield and Lilly Willcutt, April 14, 1805. 

Stockvvell Stearns of Worthington and Zerviah Willcutt, Oct 
31, 1805. 

Asa L. Robinson and Persis Weeks, Feb. 17 1S06. 

Seth Ford of Cummington and Parthenx Kingman, Feb. 20, 1806 

Rufus Cushman and Theodocia Stone, June 12, i8c6. 



IIISTOIIY OF GIOSIIKX. 219 

Meiiinaii Ch;!iiiberlain ;ind Polly Hiihbriicl, Oct. 2, iSoG. 

John Harris and Abigail Caipenlti', Nov. 27, 1805. 

Chester Wait of Savo}' and Siisaniiali Biown, Nov. 25, 1806. 

Amos W. Pool of Plainfield and Sarah Abel', Nov. 27, 1806. 

Reuben Dresser, Jr., aid Sophia Bardwell, Jvl.ay 12, 1807. 
t, Joshua Packard, Jr., and Betsey Ingram, May 14, 1S07. 

Harvey Luce and Hannah Clifford, June 3, 1807. 

Rev. \Vm. Fisher of Stamfoid, Conn., and Khoda Bardwell, Oct. 
25, 1^07. 
^ John Wilder of Chesteifield and Hannah Amadou, Feb. 15, 1808. 

Rev. Abel Farley of Manchester Vt., and Hannah Dres.'^er, Feb. 
iS, 1808. 

Jonathan Lilly, Jr., of Ashfiekl and Clarissa Kellogg, Sept. 22, 180S. 

Erastus Gleason of Plainfield and Eunice Til ton, Oct 5, 1808. 

Rufus Abbott of Chester and Anna Owen, July 17, 1809. 

Ste23hen Whitney of Deerfield and Polly Williams, Feb. 22, 1810. 

John Bisbee of Piainfield and Mary Lyon, March 27, 1810. 

Doctor Daniel Pierce of Peru arid Abigail Lyman, May 3, 1810. 

Samuel Hall, Jr., of Ashfiekl and Betsey Jipson, July 12, iSio. 

Allen Newell of Whatfley and Hannah Jipson, July 13, 1810. 

Stephen Luce and Mary Giaves of Williamsburgh, Sept. 20, 1810. 

Aaron James and Irena U'illcutt, Nov. 29, 1810. 

Joel Jones of Chesterfield and Clarissa Owen, April 30, iSio. 

Caleb Dodge of Litchfield, N. Y., and Marcia Jipson, Sept. 
17, 1810. 

Will. Hosford and Tirza Jipson, Sept. ig, 18 to. 

Jed. Clark and Elizabeth Cushman, Jan, 19, 1813. 

Benjamin Johnson of Pittsfield and Mary Cargill, Nov.. i, 1813, 

Ebenezer Healy. Jr., aiTd Esther Parsons, INLiy 5, 18 13. 

O. D. Hannum of Southampton and Sarah Sprague, May 27, 1S13. 

Elisha Warner and Paity Weeks, July 5, 1813. 

Rufus Olds and Eunice Sprague, Aug. 25, 1S14. 

Chester Olds and Naomi Sprague, Sept. 22, 18 14. 

Prescott Bartlett and Narcissa Robinson, Oct. 17, 18 14. 

Junius Northam and Sally Wliite, Jan. 31, 1815. 

Cyrus Bisbee and Eliz'ih Buckingham, May 16, 1815. 

Simeon Cowles of Amherst and Molly King, June 28, 1815. 

James Richards, Jr., of Plainfield antl Sally Bardwell, May 31. iSr5. 



220 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

Robert Little of Williamsburgh and JNIrs. Sarah Whitcomb, Dec. 
21, 1815. 

Lewis Thayer of Cummington and Tenty Kingman, Jan. 2, 1816. 

Eben'r Ford of Plainfield and Roxey Olds, Jan. 22, 1S16. 

Asahel Billings and Violet Bardwell, Jan. 31, 1816. 

Amos Deming of Savoy, and Piiscilla Sears, Feb. 15, 1816. 

Horace Frary of Whately and Catharine Simmons, Oct. 7, 1818. 

Robert Barras and Zerviah Orcutt, Feb. 11, 182 i. 

Jesse Willcutt, 2d, and Hannah James, Dec. 2, 1813. 

Joel Sampson and Anna Hubbard, June 5, 1814. 

Jacob Lovell and Naomi Damon, April 2, 18 18. 

Bradley Packard and Mary Webster, Dec. 2, 1831. 

Leonard Smith and Mary Coney, May 13, 1835. 

Abner Kelley and Sarah, daughter of Daniel Beals, Dec. 10, 1835. 

Asahel H. Searle and Sophia Skiff, Dec. 11, 1823. 

Martin Bryant of Chesterfield and Nancy A. Skiff, Jan i, 1824. 

Oliver Wiles of Williamsburgh and Sophia Hosford, March 4, 1824. 

Reuben Lynch of Stockbridge and Sarah Hosford, Nov. 10, 1824. 

Asa Pettengill of Cummington and Cynthia Brown, Jan. 25, 1826. 

Peter Niles of Worthington and Mary Buckingham, April 11, 1826. 

Oliver Taylor Cathcart and Nancy Abell, April 12, 1827. 

Gaius Pease of Summers, Conn., and Wealthy Walcutt, June 13, 
1827. 

John C. Lyman of Cummington and Cynthia Bassett, Nov. 7, 1827. 

Oman Bartlett of Cummington and Lovisa Damon, Dec. 27, 1827. 

Russell Searle of Chesterfield and Abigail Beals, Dec. 27, 1827. 

Eben'r W. Town of Enfield and Sophia A. Hawks, Dec. 1, 1827, 

Barnabas A. Howes of Asbfield and Polly C. Lawton, Nov. 8, 1827. 

Ansel Edwards of Albany and Rowena Darling, Dec. 21, 1827. 

Alvan Macomber and Nancy Burnell, Feb. 22, 1832. 

Norman Cogswell of Chesterfield and Eliza Farley, May 15, 1832. 

Elias Beals of Cummington and Polly Bates, June 14, 1832. 

Silas Hannum, Jr., and Harriet E. Kingman, Oct. 25, 1832. 

Pomeroy Smith and Louisa C. Burnell, Jan. i, 1833. 

Nathan Sears of Ashfield and Abigail Bates, May 22, 1834. 

Philo P. Tucker and Harriet N. Hawks, Od.. i, 1834. 

Braman Wing of Savoy and Betsey Luce, Sept. i/, 1837. 

Joseph Cole of Chesterfield and Hannah Willcutt, Sept. 23, 1838. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 221 

Capt. John Grant and !\Irs. Jane B. Shaw of Cummington, Oct. 9, 
1838. 

Elijah Walcotr, Jr., and Uiana R. Paiker, Feb. 14, 1839. 
Wm. Keitli of Greenfield and Almira 'Jliompson of Heath, Oct. 
21, 1841. 

Lewis H. Warren of Ashtield and Sarah Converse, Nov. 24, 1841. 
Ebenezer Snell, Jr., of Cuniminc^ton and Rachel F. Bardwell, Dec. 
15, 1841. 

Moses Belden to Mrs. Sally Briojgs, April 27, 1842. 
Benj. E. Kemp of Buckland and Mehitabel Luce, Jan. 18, 1844. 
Abner Phelps and Eryphela Wheeler, Sept. 4, 1844. 
David Kingman and Harriet N. Richards, July 29, 1845. 
Wm. N. Moore and Caroline S. Moody, May 3, 1846. 
Spencer C. Gurney and Abigail T. Hoxie, April 2, 1847. 
Theo. Parsons and Mehitable Shaw, Jan. 3(f, 1848. 
Jeremiah Bardwell and Wealthy C. Goodman, Nov. 29, 1849. 
Otis C. Howes and Cornelia M. Hubbard, Oct. t, 1850. 
John M. Smith and Sarah Af. Beals, Oct. 13, 1S50. 

Samuel J. Gould and Rosetia A. Russ, June 10, 185 i. 

Thomas C. Phelps, Jr., and Hannah S. Moore, Dec. 11, 1851. 

J. M. Francis and Beiiiiah F. Russ, Dec. 11, 1S52. 

Alphonso Dickinson and Abby A. Field, Jan. 30, 1852. 

Henry Bodman and Sarah Hill, May 3, 1852. 

Levi Stephenson and Martha R. Miller, May 10, 1852. 

George Stephens >n and Elizabeth E. Utley, June 14, 1853. 

Milo Milliken and Mary Wdlcutt, Nov. 24, 1853. 

Hosea P. Hunt and M. Vaughn, ALay 10, 1854. 

Henry M. Blakely and Genett Hathaway, Aug. 2, 1854. 

Geo. \V. Packard anvi Mary J. Foid, Feb. 23, 1855. 

Aquila Moo;e and Eliza A. Miller, ALiy 3, 1855. 

Amos Hawks and Climena Baker, Dec. 27, 1855. 

James Lawton and Catharine Baly, Jan. 17, 1856. 

John VV. Miller and Eugenia Howl and, May i, 1856. 

Zeiias Field and Cynthia Luce, Oct. 11, 1856. 

Albert H. Merritt and Aurelia M. Jackson, Oct. 6, 1S56. 
- — A. P. Hunt and Hannah J. Plympton, May 12, 1857. 

Joseph Blake and Caroline P. Abell, May 27, 1857. 

James B. Taylor and Abigail Manning, July, 1857. 
Joseph Meekins and Permelia Bassett, Sept., 1S57. 



222 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

Rev. \Vm. Canutlieis iuul Martha P. Il.iker, June 23, 1S58. 

Matlhew Ray and Mary Burke. Ftib. 7, 1859. 

Cyrus Kingsley and Susan J. Pynchou, Marcii 17, 1S59. 

Alonzo Bates and Amelia E. Upton, May 3, 1859. 

Lewis Abell and Marllia Packard, 1859. 

Amasa S. Cowles and Ruth S. Newconib, 1859. 

George E. Williams and Lucy B. Upton, Nov. 14, 1S59. 

Harvey Rhodes and Sarah Jane D:imon, Oct. 21, i860. 

Asahel Bisbee and Sarah Stephenson, Nov. i, i860. 

Coleman L. Dawes and Martha C. Tilson, June 12, 186 1. 

Robert Pratt and Mary Loud, June 12, 1861. 

Edward Baker and Elizabeth Damon, July 4, 1861. 

Horatio Culver and Minerva M. Scott, July 20, 1861. 
^ Fordyce Chilson and Mary Ann Frissel, March i6, 1863. 

Chester M. Fuller^nd Almira A. Warner, Dec. 29, 1863. 
I Fred. Richardson and Jj.iJ^iette Hayden, March 2, 1864. 

John H. Matthews and Catharine Brinen, Jan. 21, 1865. 
i T. P. Lyman and Olive J. Rice, Oct. 11, 1865. 

John H. Bissell and Julia Ann Richardson, Dec. 6, 1865. 

Henry F. Rice and Sarah E. Godfrey, Jan. 17, 1866. 

Harlan VV. Torrey and Ellen M. Parker, June 23, 1866. 

John H. Godfrey and Elvira A. Porter, May 23, 1867. 

Levant Phelps and Ella L. Prince, June 3, 1867. 

Elihu Boyce and Amanda Miller, June 16, 1868. 

Herbert W. Brown and Luella R. Damon, Sept. 8, 1868. 

Chas. Thayer and Ida Dixon, Sept. 13, 1868. 

Dwight Thayer and Sarah Miller, Oct. 23, 186S. 

Edward Valentine and Ha. tie A. White, Feb. 20, 1869. 

E. Herbert Alden and Laura E. Fuller, Sept. 8, 1869. 

Edward G. Bradford and Sarah M. Newton, Sept. 14, 1869. 

John K. Fuller and Lucena Plumley, Dec. 2, 1869. 
; Aithur H. Walk ley and INLirtha A. Hawks, Jan. 15, 1870. 

Evlyn Taylor and Louisa R. Johnson, June 8, 1870. 

P'ranklin Mayor and Nancy ALiyor, July 10, 1S70. 

Frank D. Robinson and Lizzie Porter, Oct. 26, 1870. 

Lyman B. Cannon and Julia B. Hubbard, June 15, t'87i. 

Benj. M. Dyer and Lois H. Williams, Nov. t, 1871. 

Leander V. Kill and Emily Porter, Nov. 25, 1-871. 



lIISTOltY UF G()SIIJ::N. 



John G. Sykes and Lydia A. Dyer, Dec. 26, 187 1. 
Onin N. Kuss and Mary Milling, May 6, 1873. 
Augustus H. Roberts and Mary Ann Richardson, fuly 29, 1875. 
Israel P. Stebbins and Mary Alexander, Jan. 24, 1877. 
Willie E. Shaw and Eva V. Merrilt, July 3, 1877. 
Horace Atwater and Enima Ernesline Walkley, July 26, i>>'j'j. 
Frank G. Sears and Etta F. Wildman, April 21, 1877. 
Clifford L Nutter and Sarah P. Sturtevant, Sept. 10, 1877. 
John E. Cogan and Bell J. Bates, August 11, 1S79. 
Ralph A. Packard and Rachel E. Hawes, Oct. 30, 1879. 
Alcander Hawks and Eunice A. Looniis, Nov. 18, 1S79. 
Lucius H. Hubbard and Margaret E. Bucknam, April 29, 1880. 
Wilbur D. Porter and Julia F. Tufts, May 23, 1880. 
Ozro B. Davis and Fleda E. Miner, May 30, 1880. 
_il'ard D. White and Susie P. Hunt, Nov. 25, 1880. 
Emil H. Miller and Flora A. Buck, Dec. 25, 1880. 



"Intentions" — ivherc date of marriage is not recorded. 

Epaphras Curtis and Elizabeth Waldo, Dec, 17S7. 

Ephraim Bates and Mary Chamberlain, Jan. 4, 1790. 

Micah Jepson and Mary Hawkins of Williamstown, April 8, 1790. 

Daniel Croney (Coney?) and Mary Jones, May 23, 1790. 

Chas. Beswick, Jr., and Mary Vinton, July 9, 1790. 

Parson Mansfield and Joanna Smith, Dec. 19, 1791. 

Moses Hallock and Peggy Allen of Chilmark, July 2, 1792. 

Edmond Bridges and Rebekah Minor of Peru, Nov. 12, 1792. 

John Presip* and Molly Odell of Cummington, March 4, 1793. 

Jesse Abell and Sally Orcutt, Nov. 15, 1795. 

Levi Bates and Lovina Hersey, July 10, 1796. 

Abell Olds and Eleanor Billington, April 24, 1797. 

Josiah Hannum and Dolly Banister, Dec. 4, 1797. 

Jonathan Luce and Mehitabel Bates, May 19, 1798. 

Charles Grimes and Hepsey Bodman, Aug. 10, 1800. 

John K. Hamilton and Submit Grimes, Sept. 21, 1801. 

John Grant and Nancy Reed of Cheshire, April 16, 1802. 

* Presip was ;i Portuguese. 



224 HISTOKV UF GOSH EX. 

Josepli Rice and Maiy Buinell, Aug. 15, 1S03. 
Othiiiel Hannum and Patty Diss^lt, Sept. 26, 1803. 
Silas Burgess and Lucy Stone, Nov. 15, 1803. 
Joshua Abell, Jr., and Phebe Catlicait, March 4, 1804. 
V Ebenezer Parsons and Eunice Clark, March 14, 1S04. 
Erastus Clark and Hannah Dresser, July 16, 1804. 
John Glass of Peru and Phebe Davis, Oct. 20, 1804. 
Samuel Daugherty and Anna Woods of Belchertown, Feb. 10, 1805. 
John Willcutt and Cynthia Abell, March 10, 1806. 
Thos. Tower, Jr., and Sarah Manning, Dec. 30, 1806. 
John Eldredge and Sally Kellogg, Oct. 5, 1807. 
Silvanus Stone and Mehiiabel Kellogg of Brookfield, Jan. 20, 1808. 
Caleb Cushman and Betsey Alvord of Plainfield, Feb. 9, 1808. 
John Luce and Hannah Bigelovv, Feb. 15, 1808. 
Elijah Streeter and Katherine Weeks of Belchertown, Feb. 15, 1808. 
Reuben Kingman and Betsey Clark, March 8, 1808. 
David Kellogg and Sophia Bassett, Nov. 24, 1808. 
Spencer Hubbard and Sally Gunn of Sunderland, Jan. 25, 1809. 
Ebenezer White and Hannah Ripley, Oct. 8, 1809. 
Samuel Buckingham and Eliza (Jox, May 7, 1810. 
Jonathan Snow and Betsey Bond, Dec. 25, 1810. 
Nathan Fuller and Hannah Dyer, March 4, 181 1. 
Elijali Bardwell, Jr., and Lovina Howes of Ashfield, Dec. 2, 181 1. 
Harvey Walker and Tamar King, April 11, 1813. 
Cyril Jepson and Phebe Sears, May 30, 1S14. 
Benj. White and Sophia Butler, Nov., 1814. 
Robert Little and Mrs. Sarah Whitcomb, Dec. 12, 1815. 
Wiliard Stowell, and Lucy King, Jan. 8, 1816. 
Rev. Abel Farley and Sarah Saddler, June 29. 1816. 
Versal Abell and Sally Potter, Sept. 11, 1819. 
Silas Olds and Sally Prentice, Dec. 14, 1819. 
Greenwood Brown and Mrs. Chloe Bates, Jan. 16, 1820. 
Abiram Phillips and Lucretia Jepson, Feb. 11, 1820. 
Henry Hannum and Submit Abell, ALarch 25, 1820. 
Samuel Naramore and Aurelia Bardwell, Oct. 18, 1820. 
Dr. Stephen H. Fuller and Susan E. Seymour, Oct. 21, 1820. 
Dr. Alvah W. Rockwell and Lucy Ames, Jan. 13, 1821. 
Obadiah Skiff, Jr., and Ann Bryant, Sept. 2, 1823. 



HiSTOKY OF goshe:^. 225 

Jabez Bemeiit and Eliza A. Jordan, Jan. 15, 1824. 

Edsun Cook and Esther Abell, Jan. 17, 1824. 

Abner Damon, Jr., and Miranda Bates, Jan. 17, 1824. 

William Abell and Jerusha S. Arms, April 15, 1824. 

Silas Bassett, 2d, and Pamelia Bradford, April 24, 1824. 

D. W. Graves and Sarah Wells, May 21, 1824. 

Bela Dyer and Deborah White, Aug. 21, 1824. 

Capt. R. Dresser and Sibyl W. Smith, Feb. n, 1825. 

Dr. Geo. Wright and Julia Billings, Aug. 27, 1825. 
■^ — Emmons Putney and Orpha Starkweather, Oct. 22, 1825. 

Dea. Jonathan Lyman and Lydia Tovvne, Nov. 4, 1826. 

Edwin Norton and Minerva Smedley, June 8, 1827. 
Harris Wait and Phebe H. Hunt, Aug. 20, 1828. 

Edmund Perkins and Laura Orcutt, Dec. 5, 1828. 

Ira Angell and Martha Hosford, Sept 25, 1829. 

Hiram Cowls and Sophronia Knight, Nov. 6, 1830, 

Dr. J. W. Rockwell and Elizabeth Mills, April 19, 1834. 

Wm. Sanders and Almira Buckingham, May 24, 1834. 

Israel B. Thompson and Mary S. Town, July 4, 1835. 

Capt. Fordyce Rice and Eunice V. Nash, Sept. 26, 1835. 
^.___Jabez H. Eldredge and Mary Ann Johnson, Feb. 20, 1836. 

S. Brayman and Laura Healey, May 15, 1841. 
•r— Abner Field of Hatfield and Wealthy Putney, Sept. 24, 1842. 

F. W. Lyman and Sarah W. Naramore, Jan. 26, 1844. 

James Gloyd and Lucretia Ford, Nov. 8, 1845. 

Rev. Royal Reed and Julia Starkweather, Dec. 8, 1845. 

Wm. N. Moore and Caroline S. Moody, April 18, 1846. 

Francis Dresser and Corinth Higgins, Jan. 23, 1847. 

C. M. Fuller and Laura Beals, Oct 23, 1847. 

Forrace Jepson and Martha H. Record, May 26, 1848. 

Horatio Bassett and Aurelia Fuller, Sept. 4, 1848. 

M. Nash Hubbard and Julia A. Parsons, May iS, 185 1. 

Chas. Underwood and Mary Ann Hoar, June 3, 1867. 

Wm. E. Manning and Carrie O. Keplinger, June 3, 1868. 

Herbert W. Brown and Lucilla Damon, July 22, 1868. 



226 HISTORY or GOSHEN. 



Births not Previously Inserted. 



Patience, daughter of Abijah Tucker, Dudley, Jan. 26, 1761. 
Hannah, daughter of Abijah Tucker, Goshen, Oct. 8, 1766. 
Molly, daugliter of Robert Webster, Feb. 12, 1766. 
James, son of Edward Orcutt, Hingham, May 3, 1761. 
Matthew, son of Edward Orcutt, Goshen, April 12, 1764. 
Deborah, Jr., daughter of VVni. Meader^ Nantucket, Nov. 14, 177S. 
William, son of William Meader, Goshen, Sept. 29, 1781. 
Jonathan, son of William Meader, Goshen, Dec. 21, 1783. 

Aha 1' [ twins of Samuel and Martha Mott, April 18, 1784. 
Nabby, daughter of Jos. and Deb. Maynard, March 19, 1793. 
Martha, daughter of Shepheid and Mary Moore, Oct. 26, 1801. 
Irena, daughter of Silvanus Burk, Sept 18, 1785. 
Orril, son of Silvanus Burk, Feb. 16, 1787. 
Gaius, son of Silvanus Burk, June 22, 1791. 

John K., son of David and Elioner (King) Green, June 15, 1789. 
Justin, son of David and Elioner (King) Green, Oct. 13, 1794. 
John, son of John and Prudence (White) Adams, Nov. i, 1794. 
Ariel, son of Ansel Amadou, Dec. 20, 1802. 
-Rodney, son of Eleazer Hawks, July 9, 1818. 
Edwin, son of Eleazer Hawks, Nov. 30, 1819. 
Alcander, son of Eleazer Hawks, Aug. 18, 1821. 
Mary Dresser, daughter of Eleazer Hawks, Dec. 15, 1822. 
Chas. S., son of E. W. Town, Feb. 17, 1833. 
Jerusha 8. Arms, wife of Wm. Abell, Aug. n, 1792. 
Eliza, daught'ir of Wm. Abell, April 15, 1S25. 
Rufus, son of Joab and Mary (Bliss) Carpenter, March 19, 1806. 
John, son of Asa and Prudence Chamberlain, Sept. 10, 1789. 

^t-Beciime a pliysician. 



inSTORY OF GOSHEN. 



227 



^ Lincoln, sot\ of Asa and Prudence Chambedain, Sept. 15, lyQ^- 

Wealthy, daughter of Rev. Abel Farley, Sept. 11, 1813. 

Oliver, son of Gershom Cathcart, Dec. 17, i794- 

Henry L., son of Ailfred D. Tucker, Jan. 18, 1837, 

Geo. A., soau of Alfred D. Tucker, , 1838. 

Rosetta Aon, daughter of Nelson Russ, Chatham, Aug. 19, 183?'. 

Bethia E., daughter of Nelson Russ, Chatham, Feb. 20, 1835. 
r Julia B., Williamsburgh, Aug. 7, 1838. 

Children of N, Russ, ■< Oren N., Goshen, May 4, 1840. 

( Martha E., Goshen, May 10, 1842. 

Rebecca, daughter of S. Brayman, July 25, 1842. 

Edwin A., son of Emery and Finette Moore, Jan. 25, 1842. 

Eh'za E., daughter of A. B. Loomis, March 7, 1842. 
"**^-Geo. S., son of Eowell Hunt, April 28, 1842. 

Ellen A., daughter of Edward Ijridgrnan, May iS, 1842. 

Ellen J., daughter of Ezra Brackett, June 8, 1842. 

Elvira, daughter of Samuel Porter, April 28, 1843. 

Clifford H., son of Sears and Vashti Luce, Dec. 20, 1843. 

Sarah Josephine, daughter of Edward Biidgman, Jan. 18, 1844. 

Francis, son of Francis and Lucinda Lyman, Jan. 26, 1844. 

Martha Ann, daughter of Joseph and Emeline Hawks, Feb. 
II, 1844. 

Joel D., son of Geo. W. and Asenath Manning, Feb. 22, 1844. 

Martha G., daughter of Samuel and Laura Brayman, Feb. 24, 1844. 

David S., son of Abner and Luena Moore, Aug. 5, 1844. 

Catharine, daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Ward, Aug. 8, 1844. 

ivlaria ]^., daughter of E. A. and Charlotte A. Carpenter, Aug. 
:2S, 1844. 
• — t^usai) P., daughter of Lowell and Electa Hunt, Oct. 22, 1S44. 

Royal R., son of Fordyce and Mary Rice, ALirch 4, 1845. 

Adeline E., daughter of Marlon and Adeline Damon, June 4, 1845. 

Laura J., daughter of Emery and Finette Moore, June 5, 1845. 

Henry Frank, son of P'led. \V. and Sarah \V. Lyman, June 26, 1S45. 

Edward P., son of S. W. and Nar.cy Tilton, July 26, 1S45. 

Edward J., son of Edward Bridgmati, Oct. 7, 1845. 

Julius R., son of Zebina Leonard, Nov. 7, 1845. 

IVLiry A., daughter of Sears and Vashti Luce, Dec. 8, 1S45. 

Jacob S., son of Levi and Marvilla Gardner, Dec. 29, 1845. 

Albert S., son of Jere. and Sarah Ward, Jan. 10, 18.16. 



228 HISTORY OF GOSHEIS^. 

Henry, son of Joseph and Emeline Hawks, Feb. 7, 1846. 

William E., son of Geo. W. and Asenath Manning, March 3, 1846. 

Wealthy C, daughter of Geo. and Tryphena Abell, July 18, 1846. 

Fordyce Lyman, son of Fordyce and Mary Rice, June 15, 1846. 

Edwin H., son of Samuel and Laura Brayman, Oct. 13, 1846. 

Sarah Emma, daughter of Rufus and Louisa Cowls, Jan. 13, 1847. 

James B., son of Samuel and Abia Porter, May 9, 1847. 

Francelia D., daughter of Edwin A. and Charlotte Carpenter, May 
14, 1847. 

Sarah E., daughter of Henry and Susannah Godfrey, July 23, 1847, 

William A., son of Nelson and Thankful Russ, Aug. 23, 1847. 

Charles, son of Gershom and Sarah Damon, Oct 20, 1847. 

Emery M., son of Fordyce and Mary Rice, Nov. 9, 1S47. 

Martha E., daughter of Ephraim and Parnel Warren, Feb. 4, 1848. 

Clarinda J., daughter of Spencer and Abigail Gurney, Feb. 9, 1848. 

Reuben H., son of Francis and Corinth Dresser, March 4, 1848. 

Martha E., daughter of Daniel and Lois Burt, March 21, 1848. 

Sarah A., daughter of Wm. and Caroline Moore, April 4, 1848. 

Eunice A., daughter of Almond and Hester Loomis, Dec. 12, 1848. 

Samuel, son of Sam'l and Laura Brayman, March 7, 1S49. 

Lucius U., son of Thomas and Lavina Buck, May 20, 1848. 

Morgan S., son of Zimri and Thankful Newell, Sept. 21, 1848. 

Frances M., daughter of Isaac and Mary Wing, May 12, 1848. 

Achsah S., son of Edward and Caroline Bridgman, Aug. 19, 1849. 
Geo. Wright, son of F. W. and Chloe Belding, Oct. 3, 1849. 

Edward M., son of Francis and Corinth Dresser, Jan. 12, 1850. 

Franklin W., son of Amasa and Betsey Cowles, March g, 1850. 

Chas. K. Gurney, son of Lysander and Mary Gurney, March 9, 1850. 

Ellen L., daughter of Peregrine and Catharine White, April 11, 
1850. 

Alice E., daughter of Sanford and Maria Gage, May 13, 1850. 

Jonathan C, son of Champion and Rachel Brown, July 6, 1850. 

Amanda, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth Miller, July 20, 1850. 

John W., son of West and Nancy Tilton, Aug. 5, 1850. 

Octavia F., daughter of Emery and Finette Moore, Aug. 6, 1850. 

Daniel, son of Henry and Susannah Godfrey, Aug. 30, 1850. 
— Marion O., daughter of Oscar and Mary A. Washburn, Sept. 10, 
1850. 

Mary, daughter of John H. and Lucy Lester, Sept. 11, 1850. 



HISTOKY OF GOSHEN. 229 

Ella M., daughter of Jeremiah H. and Wealthy Bardvvell, Sept. 14, 
1S50. 

Francis M., son of Fordyce and Mary Rice, Nov. 27, 1850. 

Mary J., daughter of Rufus and Emma Cowles, March 17, 1S51. 

Elizabeth, daughter of Sam'l and Abia Porter, March 23, 1851. 

Walter U., son of Wm. S. and Sarah E. Davis, June 19, 1851. 

Melzer E., son of Edwin and Paulina Brockelt, July 13, 1851. 

D wight S., son of Amasa and Betsey Cowles, Nov. 14, 1S51. 

Chas. A., son of Edwin and Mary Stearns, Oct. 18, 1852. 
— 1 — Clark Ervvin, son of F. W. and Chloe Belding, Oct. 16, 1852. 

Laselle, son of Abner and Erryphela Phelps, Oct. 7, 1853. 

Martha Augusta, daughter of Rev. T. H. and Jane Rood, April 
23, 1854. 

, Chas. B., son of Elijah and Sarah Bardwell, Feb. i, 1855. 
^^^— Fred. A., son of Fred, and Sophia Hunt, May i, 1855. 

Lizzie, daughter of Bennett and Cordelia Allen, Aug. 2, 1855. 
■ Alice, daughter of Willard and Caroline Nichols, July 4, 1855. 

Henry James, son of Benoni and Mercy Ann Bissel, Dec. 24, 1856. 

Fred A., son of Fred and Emma Richardson, Aug. 9, 1856. 
• Chas. Joseph, son of Fred and Sophia Hunt, . 1857. 

Maria E., daughter of Elijah and Sarah Bardwell, Sept. 11, 1857. 

Martha E., daughter of Calvin A. Packard, April ir, 1S57. {Cor- 
rected?) 

Almond E., son of Almond and Hester Loomis, April 26, 1857, 

Betsey Ann, daughter of Amasa and Betsey Ann Cowles, Nov. 11, 

1857- 
. Wm. L., son of Edmund and Louisa Dawes, March i, 1858. 

Emma Loena, daughter of Henry and Julia E. Tilton, March 21, 
1858. 

Ellen, daughter of John and Mary Godfrey, April 22, 1858. 

Clara Maria, daughter of Bennett and Cordelia Allen, April 28, 
1858. 

Wilbur, son of Sam'l and Abia Porter, May 10, 1858. 
,. Jonathan Arthur, son of A. P. and Josephine Hunt, June 14, 1858. 

Ella J., daughter of Abner and Erryphela Phelps, June 23, 1858. 

Mary Ann, daughter of Frederick and Amy Richardson, June i, 
1858. 

Fred. Knowlton, son of Geo. and Elizabeth Stephenson, July 18, 
185S. 



230 niSTOKY OP GOSHEN. 

Nellie Louisa, daughter of Baxter and Louisa Wilder, Oct. 9, 1858. 
— -^lary, daughter of Rodney and Minerva Hawks, Dec. 27, 1858. 

Frederick, son of Fordyce and Mary Rice, June 29, 1S59. 

Eva, daugliter of Hiram and Ellen F. Bates, Dec. 15, 1859. 

Milford Henry, son of Henry and Julia E. Tilton, June 29, i860. 
-—- Lizzie Maria, daughter of Arthur and Josephine Hunt, July 20, 
i860. 

Wm. Henry, son of John and Mary Godfrey, Dec. 2, i860. 

Fred. W., son of James and Abigail Taylor, Dec. 20, 1S60. 

Willie, son of Heman and Ellen White, April 9, i860. 

Almond, son of Martin Meckley, Jan. 20, 1861. 

Ella T., daughter of H. H. and Julia Packard, Feb. 5, 1861. 

Flora, daughter of Henry and Julia Tilton, July 14, i86r. 

Alice B., daughter of Orin N. and Martha Russ, Sept. 21, 1861. 

Edward Elsworth, son of Henry and Julia Tilton, Sept. 11, 1862. 
- "Walter L., son of George and Isabel Kellogg, Jan. i, 1863. 

William, son of Elijah and Sarah Bardwell, no date. 

Nellie Catharine, James and Cordelia Shipman, April 28, 1863. 

Frank W ) 

^ '' }■ Twins, sonsof Hiram and Ellen Bates, May II, 1863. 

Fred W., ) 

Frederic B., son of Orin and Martha Russ, Feb. 7, 1864. 

Frederic J., son of Chester and Almira Fuller. 

• Celestia Isabel, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Baker, Feb. 5, 

1865. 

Horace L., son of Frederic and Juliette Richardson, April 14, 1865. 

Minnie, daughter of Calvin and Wealthy Packard, July 14, 1865. 

Alice P., daughter of James and Cordelia Shipman, Aug. 8, 1865. 

Frank M., son of Julius and Angeline Davis, Dec. 2, 1865. 
' Charlie Elmer, son of Dwight and Susan Clark, Dec. 26, 1865. 

James L., son of Andrew and Catharine Sydell, June 3, 1866. 

Willie H., son of Orin and Martha Russ, Sept. i, 1866. 

Albert S., son of Albert and Kitty Taylor, Nov. 13, 1866. 

Orvilla J., daughter of Benjamin and T. C. Davis, Oct, 4, 1866. 

Peter, son of Joseph and Julia Cloutier, Sept. 2, 1866. 

Angelia Maria, daughter of Almerion and Mary Damon, May 15, 
1867. 

Lizzie K., daughter of Timothy and Jennie Lyman, March 31, 1867. 

Frank Lyman, son of Edmund and Louisa Dawes, June 24, 1867. 

- Anna Belle, daughter of Clias. and Ella Washburn, July 20, 1867. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 231 

Elva L., daughter of Augustus and Liura Manning, April 3, 1867. 

I,evvis Monroe, son of Julius and Angelina Davis, Sept. 23, 1867. 

Chas. M., son of Chas. and Marion Underwood, March 14, 1868. 

Chas. H., son of Jackson and Julia Minor, March 30, 1868. 

Alice Climena, daughter of Benj. and T. C. Davis, Sept. 8, ]868, 

Mary Belle, daughter of James and Orintha Mollison, Sept. 9, 1868. 

Idelia Gertrude, daugliter of William and Lucy Houghtaling, Aug. 
7, 1869. 

Minnie Louisa, daughter of Elihu and Amanda Boyce, Aug 29, 
1869. 

Willie Hiram, son of Hiram and Ellen Bates, Oct. 5, i86g. 

Fannie Emeline, daughter of Chas. and Marion Underwood, Nov. 
2, 1869. 

Clarence E., son of Enos and Edlah Hawks, Dec. 16, 1869. 

John Ellington, son of Daniel and Susan Wade, Jan. 19, 1870. 

Jennie E., daughter of Augustus and Laura Manning, Feb. i, 1870. 

No name, child of James and Angle Rounds, Feb. 23, 1870. 

Charlie, son of Herbert and Luella Brown, May 21, 1870. 

Sarah B., daughter of Fred, and Juliette Richardson, Oct. 13, 1868. 

Marilla Sophia, daughter of Fred, and Juliette Richardson, Oct. 
29, 1870. 

Clififord E., son of Edward and Hattie Willcutt, Jan. 3, 187 1. 
— rr-Harry Marlon, son of George and Isabel Kellogg, Feb. i, 187 i. 
v' Clara L., daughter of Elisha and Harriette Hayden, April 6, 187 1. 
j^ Joseph Hazelton, son of Arthur and Martha Walkley, Sept. 2, 1871. 

Arthur Thomas, son of Daniel and Susan Wade, Sept. 26, 1871. 

Francis W., son of John and Louisa Miller, Oct. 31, 187 i. 

Henry C, son of Benj. and '1'. C. Davis, Nov. 22, 1871. 

Julia Nettie, daughter of Chas. and Mary Underwood, Nov. 23, ]87i' 

George Henry, son of Herbert and Luella Brown, Dec. 14, 187 1. 

Mary Emma, daughter of Franklin and Elizabeth Robinson, Dec. 
23, 1871. 

Carrie A., daughter of Augustus and Laura Manning, June 25, 1872. 

Alice, daughter of Enos and Edlah Hawks, July 22, 1872. 

Harry Grugan, son of Timothy and Jennie Lyman, Oct. 25, 1872. 

Julia Edna, daughter of Wm. and Sarah Chilson, Nov. 24, 1872. 

Sarah Alice, daughter of Levi and Nancy Rice. Dec. 19, 1872. 

Mary Annie, daughter of James and Abigail Taylor, Jan. 14, 1873. 
- — Carrie Grace, daughter of Oscar and Eliza Washburn, ^Larch 29, 
1873- 



232 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Lilian J., daughter of Henry and Ann Hathaway, Aug. 26, 1873. 
Annie Francis, daughter of James and Orintha Mollison, Aug. 26, 

1873- 

Herbert S., son of John and Louisa Miller, March 11, 1874. 

Edwin Lester, } Twins, children of Fred, and Juliette Rich- 
Edward Chester, ) ardson, Sept. 9, 1874. 

Edward Ernest, son of Franklin and Nancy Mayor, Dec. 5, 1874. 
• Clara Madelia, daughter of Wm. and Sarah Chilson, Oct. 18, 1874. 

May Belle, daughter of Arthur and Martha Walkley, Dec. 19, 1874. 

Enos Raymond, son of Enos and Edlah Hawks, April 2, 1875. 

Arthur A., son of Augustus and Laura Manning, Nov. 11, 1875. 

Reginald Elwin, son of Freebun and Julia White, Dec. 22, 1875. 

Emma Louisa, daughter of Chas. and Julia Bogart, Jan. 10, 1876. 
Florence G., daughter of Oscar and Eliza Washburn, Feb. 15, 1876. 

Sarah E., daughter of John and Louisa Miller, June 29, 1876. 

Emma Maria, daughter of Frsd. and Juliette Richardson, Oct. 23, 
1876. 

Arthur Goodrich, son of Rev. Daniel and Susan Lord, April 8, 
1877. 

Arthur Josiah, son of Enos and Edlah Hawks, June 21, 1877. 

Marion Franklin, son of Freebun and Julia White, July 16, 1877. 

Robert F., son of Israel and Ida Stebbins, Nov. 21, 1877. 

Viola T., daughter of Augustus and Laura Manning, Jan. ig, 1878, 
• Arthur H., son of Arthur and Martha Walkley, May 21, 1878. 

Harrie W., son of Chas. and Jennie Brooks, June 3, 1878. 

Lena H. F., daughter of Freeman and Katie Sears, Aug. i8, 1878. 

Henry Edson, son of Fred, and Juliette Richardson, Oct. 19, 1878. 

Daisy, daughter of Edward and Hattie VVillcutt, Feb. 5, 1879. 

Charlotte A., daughter of John and Louisa Miller, March 29, 1879. 

James George, son of James and Katie Patterson, Aug. 25, 1879. 

Ida Louise, daughter of Orman and Alice Rice, Aug. 31, 1879. 

Ernest Frank, son of Frank and Ella Sears, Sept. 11, 1879. 

Nellie Mary, daughter of John and Belle Cogan, Dec. 29, 1879. 

Mabel Jessie, daughter of Israel and Ida Stebbins, Feb. 18, 1880, 

Ada Bell, daughter of Augustus and Laura Manning, Feb. 26^ 
1880. 

Marian Delia, daughter of Rufus and Delia Stanley, March 21, 
1880. 

Luell J., son of Lewell and Josephine Hobbs, July 26, 1880. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 233 

Baptisms. 

Paul, son of Mary Grimes, Sept. 28, 1783. 

Abijah, Benjamin, Betsey, Francis, children of Abijah Hunt, Sept. 

30, 1783- 
— -Elisha, son of Ebenezer Putney, June 6, 1784. 

Sophia, daughter of Deborah Banister, June 6, 1784. 

James and Abijah, children of Samuel Mott, June 6, 1784. 

Martha, daughter of Mary Grimes, May 9, 1785. 

Reuben, son of Content Kingman, May 9, 1785. 

Content, son of Content Kingman, July 2, 1786. 

William, son of Bethia (Plallock) Hosford, July 2, 1786. 

Achsah, son of Abijah Hunt, Oct, 5, 1786. 

Jerusha, daughter of Artemas Stone, June i, 1788. 

Rufus, Wealthy, Calvin, Theodama, children of Caleb Cushman, 
June I, 1788. 

Shepherd, son of Enoch Beals, Sept. 28, 1788. 

Samuel, Rebecca, Asahel, Molly, children of Jedediah Bucking- 
ham, July 4, 1790. 

Harvey, son of Stephen Kellogg, Oct. 3, 1790. 

Jena, Harvey, Jonathan, Joseph, Samuel, Elisha, Shubel, Obediah, 
Betsey, Tabitha, children of Samuel Luce, Oct. 19, 1790. 

Clarissa, Seth, Erastus, Billy, children of Silas Parsons, March 
10, 1791. ~' 

Artemas and Chester, children of Silvanus Stone, July, 1792. 

Mercy and Lydia, children of James Wheeler, Oct. 7, 1792. 

Paulina, daughter of Silas Parsons, Dec. 30, 1792. 

Ruby, daughter of Stephen Kellogg, March 3, 1793. 

Silas, son of Silvanus Stone, April 14, 1793. 

George and Nathan, children of Enoch Keais, Sept. 15, 1793. 

Elsie, daughter of J^siah Hayden, March 16, 1794. 

James, son of James Wheeler, April 20, 1794. 

Homan, son of Joel Chapin, Sept. 20, 1794. 

Austin, son of Silas Parsons, Sept. 20, 1794. 

Joel, sou of Silvanus Stone, April 19, 1795. 

Levi, son of Enoch Beals, May 10, 1795. 

Rufus, son of Stephen Kellogg, March 6, 1796. 

Oliver, son of James Wheeler, June 5, 1796. 

Dosia, daughter of Silas Parsons, Oct. 23, 1796. 



234 HISTORY OF COSHEX. 

Sally, daughter of Silvaniis Stone, March 23, 1787. 

Joel, son of Cyrus Lyon, Oct. 29, 1797. 

Amos Joy, son of James Wheeler, May 6, 179S. 

Chloe, Levi, Polly, Hannah, Benjamin, children of Thaddeus Nara" 
more, Aug. 12, 1798. 

Rufus, son of Abner Baker, July 8, 1798. 

Artemas, son of Abner Baker, Oct. 14, 179S. 

Sally, daughter of Silas Parsons, Sept., 1798. 

Gideon, living with Gershom Cathcart, Sept., 1798. 

Needham, son of Joseph Maynard, Jan., 1799. 

Nathan and Henry, children of Samuel Luce, Feb., 1799. 

Augusta, daughter of George Salmon, March, 1799. 

Pomeroy, son of Silvanus Stone, i\Liy, 1799. 

Sanford, son of Abner Brown, June, 1799. 

Joseph, William, Hannah, Theodocia, Benjamin, Susannah, chil- 
dren of Joseph Jepson, June, 1799. 

Chester, Ro.Ky, Jason, Silas, children of Samuel Olds, June, 1799. 

George, son of George Salmon, Nov. 24, 1799. 

Lucy, daughter of James Wheeler, June 8, 1800. 

Austin, son of Enocli Bc;als, July 3, 1800. 

Rendy, daughter of Stephen Kellogi^, July 6, 1800. 

Betsey, daughter of Matthew Keith, March i, 1801. 

Aaron, son of Joseph Jepson, April 26, 1801. 

Dorcas, daughter of Abner Brown, June 7, 1801. 

Theodore, son of Abner Parker, June 21, 1801. 

John, son of Lot Hall, July 5, i8ot. 

Brainard, son of Seth Wiiite. Aug. 30, 1801. 

Wealthy, daughter of Silvanus Stone, Sept. 2,°, 1801. 

Silas, son of Silas Parsons, Nov. 5, iSoi. 

Wealth)', daughter of Gershom Cathcart, July 11, 1802. 

Nelson White, son of Cheney Taft, Aug. i, 1802. 

Hannah, daughter of Enoch Beals, April 27, 1803. 

Moses, son of Joseph Jepson, May i, 1803. 

Nahum, son of Abner Baker, May 22, 1803. 

Abner, son of Abner Damon, Oct. 23, 1803. 

Benjamin C, son of Thaddeus Naramore, May 13, 1804. 

Hannalj, daughter of Silvanus Stone, May 30, 1804. 

Frederick, son of Giles Lyman, Aug. 5, 1804. 

Hannah, daughter of Eleazer C. Leonards, March 3, 1805. 



HISTOKY OF GOSHEK. 235 

Noah, son of Hosford, Marcti 3, 1S05. 

Alvan, son of Selh White, May 26, 1805. 

Henry Russell, son of John Smith, Jr., Nov. 3, 1805. 

Sarah R., daughter of Abijah Hunt, May 28, 1806. 

Henry, son of Giles Lyman, July 13, 1806. 

Mary^ daughter of Silvanus Stone, Aug. 10, 1806. 

Sophia, daughter of Stephen Hosford, July 5, 1806. 

Calvin, son of Seth White, Sept. 13, 1807. 

Freeman J., son of John Smith, June 26, 1808. 

Orin, Clary, Laura, children of Cyril Carpenter, June 19, 1808. 

Tryphena, daughter of Gershom Cathcart, June 25, 1809. 

Alvan, son of Origen Orcutt, July 9, 1809. 

Mary and Susannah, children of Eben Parsons, Oct. 15, 1809. 
-Harriet, daughter of John Smith, April 15, 1810. 

Patty daughter of Stephen Hosford, May 6, 1810. 

Electa May, Judy Shaw, children of Nehemiah May, May 14, iS^o- 

Hannah Colson, daughter of John C. Lyman, June 24, 1810. 

Virgil, son of Dea. Cyrel Carpent^T, July 22, 1810. 

Horace, son of J. Pool, July 22, 1810. 

Charles, adopted child of i)ei. J. Lyman, June 2, 181 1. 

Luther, son of Origen Oicut', Aug. 25, 181 1. 

Mary, daughter of Abijah Hunt, Sept. i, 1811. 

Wm. Gushman, offered by Calvin Cushman, Nov. 3, 181 1. 

Tirzah, daughter of Stephen Hosford, May 10, 1812. 

John Emerson, son of Gershom Cathcart, June 21, 1812. 

Joseph, adopted child of Jared Hawks, June 29, 18 12. 

, child of Amos Pool, July 26, 1812. 

Elijah, son of Elijah Bardu-ell, Sept 27, 1812. 

Horatio Bardwell, son of Calvin Cushman, April 18, 1813. 

Susan Mantor, daughter of John C. Lyman, April 18, 1813. 

Luther, son of David Kellogg, June 6, 1S13. 

Wealthy, daughter of Rev. A. Farley, Jan. 9, 1814. 

Philomela, daughter of Abijah Hunt, May i, 181 4. 

Maria, daughter of John Smith, Jr., May 8, 1814. 

Hudson, son of Origin Orcutt, June 26, 1814. 

Louisa Maria, daughter of Calvin Cushman, May 25, 1815. 

Augustine, son rf Elijah Bardwell, July 23, 1815. 

Wm. Newell, son of Kufus Moore, Sept. 10, 1815. 



236 HISTORY or goshen. 

Abel, son of Rev. Abel Farle}^, Sept. 29, 1815. Baptised the day 
his wife was buried. 
V Mary,^ daughter of Elias Lyon, April 25, 1S16. 

Abigail, daughter of Dea. C. Carpenter, Oct. 13, 1816. 

Harriet Amelia, daughter of (Jalvin Cushnianj May 4, 1817. 

Fidelia, daughter of John Smith, May 12, 1S17. 

George Mantor, son of Silas Burgess, May 25, 1817. 

Emery, son of Rufus Moore, June i, 18 17. 

Lucinda, daughter of Eben. Ford, Sept. 28, 1817. 

Calvin Luther, son of Calvin Cushman, Oct., 18 19. 

Lucy Sophia, daughter of Rev. Joel Wright, Dec. i, 1822. 

Joseph Huntington, son of Joseph White, June 12, 1824. 

Eliza Adams, daughter of Rev. Joel Wright, July 29, 1827. 

Caroline Parsons, daughter of George Abell, Feb. 27, 1831. 

Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Rev. H, B. Holmes, June 3, 1832. 

Maria Spencer, daughter of Arvin Nash, Sept. 2, 1832. 

Edward Cornelius, son of E. W. Town, Jan. 31, 1835. 

John Chenery, son of Rev. J. C. Thompson, July 29, 1838. 

Ezra Martin, son of Ezra Brackett, May 3, 1840. 

Edward Payson, son of Rev. J. C. Thompson, May 3, 1840. 

Abby Lemira, daughter of Marcus Lindsley, May 4, 1840. 



HISTORY OP GOSHEX. 



237 



Deatlis not Previously Inserted. 



Mary, daughter of Reuben Smith, Aug. i, 1813, aged 7 years. 

Achsah, daughter of Reuben Smith, April 2, 1813, aged 12 years. 

Rich'd Carpenter, April 11, 1813, aged 67 years. 

Zachariah Luce, Feb. 22, 1812, aged 66 years. 

Salathiel Tilton, March 30, 1842, aged 84 years. 

Benjamin Abell, Feb. 10, 1S08, aged 51 years. 

Cyrus Lyon, Feb. 12, 1831, aged 81 years. 

, wife of C. Lyon, March 20, 18 13, aged 59 years. 

Calvin, son of Wm. Abell, July 9, 1830. 

Charles, son of Wm. Abell, July 24, 1830. 

Jona. Nelson, Sept. 12, 1777, aged 34 years. 

Daniel, son of J. Nelson, Sept. 26, 1775. 

Manning, son of Christopher Banister, Nov. 16, 1774. 

Lucy W. G., daughter of Rev. Joel Wright, Oct. 4, 182 1, aged il 

months. 

George, son of John Williams, March i, 1824, aged 20 years. 

Almira, daughter of Thos. Porter, Feb. 17, 1824, aged 18 years. 

Eden, son of Levi Stearns, April 7, 1828, aged 7 years. 

Eden, son of Levi Stearns, Aug. 27, 1830, aged 3 years. 

Jacob S., son of Arvin Nash, April 7, 1831, aged 6 years. 

Reuben Dresser, Aug. 4, 1845, aged 63 years. 

Sophia, his wife, Dec. 13, 182 1, aged 41 years. 

Elizabeth, daughter, Oct. 7, 1845, aged 19 years. 

Martha, wife of E. Carpenter, July 19, 1849, aged iS years. 

Reuben Dresser, Feb. 2, 18 18, aged 71 years. 

Mary, his wife, July 6, 18 10, aged 58 years. 

Hannah, his daughter, Aug. 27, 1777, aged 5 years. 

Reuben, Jr., Aug. 22, 1777, aged 3 years. 

Amos, Aug. 21, 1777, aged 2 years. 

Rev. Abel Farley, INIarch 22, 1817, aged 44 years. 



238 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Hannah, his wife, Sept. 27, 1815, aged 38 years. 

Wealthy, daughter, Jan. 6, 1834, aged 20 years. 
Ebenezer Putney, June 14, 1802, aged 63 years. 

Susannah, wife, Jan. 5, 1813, aged 60 years. 
-_ Widow Margaret Putney, 1802,87 years. 
_-- Hannah, daughter of Eben'r, Sept. 9, 1777, aged 3 years. 

Mary, daughter of Eben'r, Sept. 9, 1777, aged 4 years. 

John Williams, 2d, May 17, 1843, ^S^d 74 years. 

Lieut. Eben'r White, Sept. 17, 183 1, aged 70 years. 

Dea. Oliver Taylor, May 12, 1826, aged 78 years. 

Lilly, wife, April 18, i8t3, aged 56 years. 

Adam Beals, Dec. 25, 1796, aged 72 years. 

Mary Cathcart, wife of Robert, 1809, aged 75 years. 

Gershom Cathcart, Sept. 23, 1852, aged 85 years. 

Polly, wife, July 11, 1858, aged 82 years. 

Lilly, daughter, April, 1813, aged 16 years. 

Edward Orcutt, Jan. 6, 1801, aged 66 years. 

John Jepson, July 7, 1830, aged 77 years. 

Betsey Leach, wife, Oct. 3, 183 1, aged 79 years. 

Marcy, daughter Wm. Hallock, Sept. 27, 1809, aged 35 years, 

Mrs. Nabby Chapin, daughter, Jan 19, 1795, aged 26 years. 

Mrs. Alsie, wife, June 7, 18 16, aged 82 years. 

William Hallock, Oct. 21, 1815, aged 86 years. 

Henry Kingman, Oct. 17, 1834, aged 24 years. 

Harriet E. Kingman, wife of Cyrus Miller, Nov. 15, 1835, aged 27 
years. 

Fidelia Kingman, Feb. 23, 1834, aged 22 year\. 

Samuel Grimes, Jan. 16, 1789, aged 50 years. 

Robert Webster, April 15, 1848, aged 71 years. 

Joshua Simmons, March 6, 1819, aged 75 years. 

Sarah, daughter Moses Belding, Sept. 11, 1847, aged 17 years. 
— ^Clarinda, daughter Moses Belding, Oct. 17, 1847, aged 23 years. 

Nancy, wife of John Grant, Oct. 25, 1836, aged 6^ years. 

Lucy, only child of John Grant, Dec. 12, 183 1, aged 27 years. 

Margaret, widow of Ezra May, Jan. 19, 1788, aged 56 years. 

Joseph Jepson, Sept. 22, 1859, aged 75 years. 

Mary Ann (Judd), daughter, March ;^o, 1853, aged 30 years. 

Aaron Jepson, Sept. 26, 1836, aged 36 years. 

Spencer C, only child Asahel Billings, Oct. 29, 1830. 



HISTORY or GOSHEN. 239 

Lucy S., wife Silas Burgess, Sept. 17, 1S54, aged 71 years. 

John Salmon, March 15, 1799, aged 61 years. 

Ruth, wife, Jan. 30, 1800, aged 62 years. 

John, May 23, 1808, aged 32 years. 

Mary, (Peru, Ohio,) Aug. 18, 1844, aged 66 years. 

Mrs. Lucy, wife of Elder Eben'r Smith, Oct. 5, 1808, aged 68 years. 

Elizabeth, wife of Gurdon Williams, April 2, 1824, aged 49 years. 

Urbane, son, April 29, 1824, aged 22 years. 

Deborah, wife of Samuel Naramore, Nov. 26, iSoo, aged 64 years. 

Joshua Packard, Jr., July i, 1S34, aged 65 years. 

Philena, wife, Jan. 3, 1807, aged 40 years. 

Betsey, wife, July 15, 1834, aged 53 years. 

Capt. Horace Packard, Sept. 4, 1848, aged 54 years. 

Daughter of D. W. Graves, Aug. 9, 1828. 

^lavy Green, daughter of Rev. Hervey Wilbur, Nov. 21, 1827. 

Son of Dr. Geo. Wright, Dec. 15, 1827. 

Son of Barney Prentiss, March 5, 1832. 

Lydia, wife of Jacob Gardner, Nov. 5, 18 12. 

Nathaniel Tower, Jan. 12, 1S50, aged 77 years. 

William, son of Caleb Bryant, Aug., 1830. 

Joshua Abell, Aug. 29, 181 1, aged 80 years. 

Reu. Isaac Child, Dec. 24, 1842, aged 55 years. 

Elizabeth, wife, March 15, 1855, aged 76 years. 

Susan Abell, April 2, 1858, aged 56 years. 

Joshua Abell, Aug. 18, 1833, aged 78 years. 

Phebe Abell, Nov. 14, 1846, aged 84 years. 

Widow Molly Gustin, wife of Capt. Webster, June 12, 1829. 

Barnard Grover, born 1771, died Nov. 8, 1790. 

Zipporah, wife of Stephen Grover, Oct. 7, 1791. 

Hannah, wife of Lemuel Lyon, Nov. 10, 1766. 

Christopher Grant, Oct. 12, 1777. 

Elizabeth Grant, Aug. 6, 1796. 

Ezra, son of Joshua Abell, Oct. 26, 1S02. 

Dorothy, wife of Joshua Abell, Sept. 3, 1S03. 

Joseph Jepson, April 20, 1839, aged S;^ years. 

Rev. Benj. F. Brown, , 1842. {Corrected) 

Desire ALayhew, Jan. 13', 1843, aged 75 years. 

Shepard Moore, June 15, 1843, aged 80 years. 

Mrs. Joseph Jepson, June 15, 1843. 



240 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 

Francis Willcutt, June i6, 1843, aged 44 years. 
Livie White, wife of Asa, March 26, 1844, aged 52 years. 
Elvira, daughter of Nathaniel Phelps, May 20, 1842, aged iS years, 
— . Susan, daughter of Joseph Putney, May 22, 1842, aged 39 years. 

Widow Sherman, June 13, 1842. 

Sophia Orcutt, June 26, 1842, aged 39 years. 

Laura B., daughter of Reuben Dresser, July 24, 1842, aged 20 years- 
Sarah, daughter of Rufus Moore, Sept. 16, 1842. 

Willard Packard, Sen., April 16, 1843, aged 71 years. 

Almira, daughter of Wm. Sanders, Sept. 16, 1844, aged 45 years. 

John Franklin, Nov. 18, 1844, aged 74 years. 

Benjamin Russ, July 14, 1844, aged 62 years. 

Reuben Kingman, Jan. 28, 1845, aged 63 years. 

Halsey, son of Eleazer Hawks, Feb. 26, 1846, aged 29 years. 

Lydia, wife of J. V. Hunt, May i, 1846, aged 65 years. 
^=HVIartha, wife of Hattil Washburn, Oct. 26, 1847, aged 67 years. 

Emily Thurston, wife of Forrace Jepson, July 23, 1847, aged 
32 years. 

Sophronia, daughter of James Orcutt, Dec. 3, 1848, aged 49 years. 

Robert Webster, April 15, 184S, aged 72 years. 
Marion, daughter of Luther Kellogg, July 3, 184S, aged 7 years. 

Wid. Mary, Joseph Bassett, Dec. 23, 1848, aged 84 years. 

Betsey Butts, 1849, age 88 years. 

John C, son of West Tilton, March 3, 1849, aged 10 years. 

Daniel Ford, Oct. 12, 1849, aged 72 years. 

Nathaniel Tower, Jan. 12, 185c, aged 77 years. 

Sarah, wife of Cyrus Stearns, June 28, 1850, aged 84 years. 

Lucinda, wife of Solomon Parsons, July 6, 1850, aged 85 years. 

Abner Damon, April 14, 1851, aged 85 years. 

Noah, son of Francis Willcutt, April 23, 1851, aged 16 years. 

Stephen, son of Rufus Moore, Aug. 18, 185 1, aged 21 years. 

Harvey, son of Francis Willcutt, Nov. 9, 185 1, aged 26 years. 

Katharine, wife of Ambrose Stone, Dec. 5, 185 1, aged 90 years. 

Zebulon Willcutt, Feb. 16, 1852 aged 93 years. 

Sarah, daughter of Ezra Brackett, March 6, 1852, aged 26 years. 

Jacob Gloyd, Jr., March 30, 1852, aged 63 years. 

Samuel Luce, June ii, 1852, aged 74 years. 
Angeline, wife of Oscar Washburn, May 2, 1852, aged 27 years. 

Lucretia, wife of Amasa Putney, Dec. 2, 1852, aged 55 years. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 241 

Bathslicba, wife of Willard Packard, March 26, 1853, aged 75 
years. 

Luciiida, wife of L. F. Eddy, Ocr. i, 1853, aged 23 years. 
Delia, widow Ebenezer Campbf^ll, Dec. 4, 1853, aged 67 years. 
Joiin V. Hunt, Jan. 27, 1854, aged 77 years. 

^Jolin Putney, April g, 1854, aged 62 years. 

Lovisa, wife of Abner Ddiiion, June 3, 1854, aged 86 years. 
Susannah, wife of Shepard Moore, Aug. 18, 1854, aged 87 years. 
Milo Milliken, Sept. 5, 1854, aged 20 years. 
'J'rypiiena, wife of Geo. Abell, Sept. 7, 1854, aged 45 years. 
"""^^Jo'i'^. Hunt, Aug. 16, 18:^4, aged 54 years. 

Lucy, wife of Jerome Stephenson, March g, 1855, ^g^d 31 years. 
Lois wife of John Godfrey, March 17, 1855, aged 72 years. 
Cyrus Stearns, March 25, 1855. aged 90 years. 
Lucinda, wife of J. Walker, ALirch ;^o, 1855, aged 40 years. 
West Til ton, May 23, 1855, aged 55 years. 
Jared Hawks, June 13, 1855, aged 80 years. 
-.. Bethiah, wife of Wm . Eldredge, Sept. 4, 1855, aged 68 years. 
Jane, wife of John Grant, Sept. 29, 1855, aged 78 years. 
Patty, wife of Gershoni Bates, Oct. 10, 1855, aged 73 years. 
Elihii, son of Dryden Dawes, Oct. 2, 1855, aged 21 years. 
Gersiiom Bates, Oct. 22, 1855, ajred 77 years. 
Sylvanus Miller, J. in. i, 1857, aged 50 years. 
Daniel Pierce, M. D., Aug. 25, 1857, aged 74 years. 
Anna, widow of Jonah Williams, Aug. 28, 1857, aged 87 years. 
Simeon Cowls, April 27, 1857, aged 78 years. 

Abigail, widow of Phineas Manning, Sept. 22, 1857, aged 94 years 
Henry Eddy, July 10, 1857, aged 68 years. 
Betsey, wife of Amasa Cowles, Nov. 24, 1857, aged ;^;^ years. 
Susan, daughter of Joshua Abell, April 2, 1858, aged 55 \ears. 
Laura, wife of Chester M. Fuller, Jan. i, 1858, aged 7,0. 
Eliza, daughter of Ezra Biackett, Jan. 17, 1858, aged 37 years, 
James C. Pearl, May 12, 1858, aged 52 years. 
Loiza, wife of Baxter Wilder, Oct. 2, 1858, aged 27 years. 
Charlotte, wile of Simeon Cowles, Nov. 19, 1858, a^ed 73 veais„ 
Clarissa, wife of John V. Hunt, Sept. 30, 1858, agtd 69 yeais. 
Polly, wife of G. Cathcart, July ir, 1858, aged 82 years. 
Abigail, wife of Daniel Ford, Feb. 8, 1859, aged 79 years. 



24:2 HISTORV OF GOSHEX. 

Aurelia. wife of \Vm. Tilton, Jan. 30, 1S59, aged 66 year?. 

Elvira, daughter of Eleazer Hawks, date not known, aged 46 
years. 

Zenas Gloyd, Oct. 20, 1859, aged 70 years. 

Sophia, wife of N. S. Merrilt, Nov. 17, 1859, aged 32 years. 

Asa White, Dec. 24, 1859, aged 72 years. 

Esther, wife of J. C. Pearl, May iS, i860, aged 48 years. 

Samuel Whitman, Jr., July 3, i860, aged 83 years. 
-— 'T^.rthur P. Hunt, Oct. 14, i860, aged 25 years. 

Amy, wife of F. Richardson, Oct. 31, i860, aged 20 years. 

Cynthia, wife of John Fuller^ Nov. 23, i860, aged 65 years. 

Violet, wife of Asahel Billings, Feb. 17, 1861, aged 78 years. 

John Grant, March 11, 1S61, aged 90 years. 

James, son of Sam'l Porter, March 18, 1861, aged 14 years. 

John L. Godfrey, April 19, 1S61, aged 32 years. 

Mary, daughter of Freeman Sears, ]May 27, 1861, aged 23 years. 

Edward, son of West Tillon, May 28, i86x, aged 16 years. 

Emery, son of F. Rice, June i, 1S61, aged 10 years. 

Sarah, daughter of F. Rice, June 11, 1861, aged 6 years. 

Mayhew Bassett, June 11, 1861, aged 68 years. 

Silas Bassett, June 17, 1862, aged 71 years. 

]Mary, daughter of Jacob Jenkins, Aug. i, 1861, aged 8 years. 

Henry, son of Elijah Bardwell, Aug. 6, 1861, aged 2 years. 

Lizzie, daughter of Elijah Bardwell, Aug. 10, 1861, aged 4 yea'S. 

Charles, son of Elijah Bardwell, Aug. 10, 1861, aged 6 years. 

Ellen, wife of Patrick Dovyer, Feb. 6, 1862, aged 50 years. 

Arispe, daughter of Abner Pynchon, June 17. 1862, aged 25 years. 

Polly, daughter of Ebenezer White, May 12, 1862, aged 66 years. 

Ralph Utley, Nov. 7, 1862, aged 66 years. 

Hannah, widow of Timothy Lyman, Jr., Ndv. 21, 1S62, aged 82 
years. 

Frank, son of Amasa Cowles, June 22, 1863, aged 13 years. 

Willie, son of Nelson Russ, Aug. 4, 1863, aged 16 years. 

Abner Phelps, Sept. i, 1863, aged 44 years. 

Rob't Rogers, Jan. 22, 1864, aged 77 years. 

Emma, daughter of S. Porter, April 13, 1864, aged 10 years. 

Erastus Brown, April 21, 1864, aged 72 years. 

Cynthia (Tilton), wife of Luce-Field, July 2, 1S64, a^ed 76 years. 

Josiah Miller, Dec. 3, 1864, aged 48 years. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 243 

Theo. Parsons, Jan. 19, 1865, ao;ed 73 years. 

Orlin Nichols^ Jan. 25, 1865, aged 63 years. 

Orpha, wife of Emmons Putney, July 14, 1865, ^ged 71 years. 

Phelinda Brown, Aug. 22, 1865, aged 72 years. 

Juditli Hunt, Aug, 23, 1865, aged 92 years. 

Minnie, daughter of Calvin A. Packard, Sept. 28, 1865. 

Oliver Red, Nov. 21, 1865, aged 25 years. 

Lorinda, wife of C. Underwood, Feb. 4, 1866, aged 30 years. 

Aug. Sydell, July 5, 1866, aged 70 years. 

Jared Damon, June 28, 1866, aged 74. 

Mary, wife of Col. L. Stone, July j6, 1866, aged 71 years. 

Sally Whitman, Oct. 16, 1866, aged 75 years. 

Charles S., son of Elijah Billings, March 19, 1866, aged 29 years. 

Robert Barrows, April 21, 1867, aged 70 years. 

Sylvia, wife of Horace Willcutt, July 22, 1867, aged 35 years. 

Pardon Washburn, Aug. 29, 1867, aged 80 years. 

Helen, wife of Emmons Putney, Jan. 27, 1868, aged 51 years, 

Abigail, wife of Dr. Pierce, March i, 1868, aged 80 years. 

Julia M. Holman, wife of Minor, May 9, 1868, aged 25 years. 

Anna, daughter of John Smith, July 6, 1868, aged 86 years. 

David Whitman, Nov. 7, 1868, aged 81 years. 

Jackson Willcutt, June 18, 1869, aged 52 years. 

Aurelia, wife of Benjamin White, Aug. 11, 1869, aged 73 years. 

Rev. Wm. Willcutt, Aug. 19, 1869, aged 72 years. 

Wm. Tilton, Oct. 15, 1869, aged 76 years. 

Amanda, wife of E. Boyce, Dec. 14, 1869, aged 19 years. 

David Carpenter, Feb. 20, 1870, aged 85 years. 

Laura, wife of Alden, Sept. ir, 1870, aged 18 years. 

Cyrus Joy, Dec. 14, 1870, aged 83 years. 

Aurelia Fuller, wife of Horatio Bassett, Dec. 10, 187 1, aged 43 years. 
Hiram Willcutt, May 24, 187 1, aged 39 years. 

Jane Bassett, daughter of Joseph Bassett, March 6, 1872, aged 87 
years. 

Henry White, March 15, iS72,aged 49 years. 

Helen, wife of Edward Smith, April 17, 1872, aged 22 years. 

Wm. H. Miller, Aug. 10, 1872, aged 24 years. 

Martha, wife of Oren Russ, Sept. 23, 1872, aged 31 years. 

Franklin Robinson, Nov. 19, 1872, aged 24 years. 

Rev. T. Walker, July 31, 1873, aged 61 years. 



244 HISTORY or goshex. 

Abner Pynchon, Jan. 7, 1874, aged 67 years. 
David Beals, Aug. 5, 1874, aged 69 years. 
John W. Miller, Nov. 15, 1874, aged 85 years. 
Jennie, daughter of J. D. Shipman, Dec. 20, 1874, aged 20 years.. 
Rev. Sydne}' Holman, Dec. 31, 1874, aged 74 years. 
John Fuller, March 27, 1875, aged 85 years. 
Eleazer Hawks, June 16, 1875, aged 93 years. 
Luther Stone, July 2, 1875, aged 87 years. 
T,illy P., wife of Jonathan Hunt, Sept. 23, 1875, aged 70 years. 
Betsey Willcutt, Nov. 3, 1875, aged 79 years. 
Quincy Bates, Oct. 15, 1875, aged 83 years. 
Rachel Carpenter, Nov 12, 1875, aged 85 years. 
Tryphosa, wife of Willard Parsons, Jan. 20, 1876, aged 78 years. 
Sarah, wife of Horace Packard, April 4, 1S76, aged 82 years. 
Willard Parsons, May 6, 1876, aged 80 years. 
Mehitable, wife of Francis Willcutt, Sept. 10, 1876, aged 68 j^ears. 

Mercy, wife of Miller, Dec. 10, 1876, ag^d 91 ^ears. 

Elizabeth, wife of Elijah Billings, Dec. 16, 1876, aged 80 years. 
Anna, wife of Calvin Loomis, Jan. 9, 1877, aged 94 years. 
Thomas Daily, Jan. 27, 1877, aged 17 years. 

Sally Manning, daughter of Phineas, March 5, 1S77, aged 86 years. 
Levi Barrus, March 18, 1877, aged 82 years. 
Julia M., wife of C. C. Dresser, June 26, 1877, aged 56 years. 
Nelson Russ, Sept. 2, 1877, aged 71 years. 

Anna L., daughter of Lorin Barrus, Oct. 17, 1877, aged 18 years. 
Rhoda, wife of Eleazer Hawks, Nov. 21, 1877, aged 86 years. 
Pulchera Plumley, Dec. 12, 1877, aged 77 years. 
James Prince, Feb. 19, 1878, aged 93 years. 
Samuel Porter, April 3, 1878, aged 77 years. 
Harriet, wife of Asa White, May 19, 1878, aged 80 years. 
Moses Dresser, July 19, 1878, aged 88 years. 
Melvin Steel, July 21, 1878, aged 56 years. 
Geo. W. Manning, Aug. 26, 1878, aged 78 years. 
Nabby Bates, Nov. 19, 1878, aged 95 years. 
Celia, daughter of Josiah Miller, Nov. 9, 1878, aged 37 years. 
Wealthy Nichols (Godfrey,) Nov. 29, 1878, aged 71 years. 
Calvin Loomis, Dec. 13, 1878, aged 99 years. 

Vesta C, wife of Edward C. Packard, May 18, 1879, ^2^^ 24 years. 
Abigail Warner, Aug. 2, 1S79, ^S^*^^ 74 years. 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 246 

Etta, wife of Frank Sears, Sept. 12, 1879, aged 19 years. 

Elijah Billings, Dec 12, 1879, aged 79 years. 

Mary Bassett, daughter of Joseph, March 2, 1880, aged 86 years. 

Cynthia Richardson, March 5, 1880, aged 81 years, 

Caleb C. Dresser, March 25, 1880, aged 66 years. 

, wife of J. W. Miller, July 13, 1880, aged 84 years. 



Corrections. 



Page 239. 

Lydia, daughter of J. Gardner. 
Page 240. 

Willard Packard died April 6. 

Mrs. Sarah Stearns died June 25. 



246 HISTOKY OF GOSHEX. 



APPENDIX. 
Act of Incorporation. 



Commonwealth of Massachusetts : 

In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one. An act for 
Incorporating the Plantation called Chesterfield Gore and the Northwardly part of 
the Town of Chesterfield, in tlie County of Hampshire, into a Town by the name of 
Goshan. 

Whereas the Inhabitants of the Plantation called Chesterfield Gore, formerly 
known by the Second Additional Grant made to Narraganset Township Number 
four, and those on the Northwardly part of the first Additional Grant to said Nar- 
raganset Township now included in the Town of Chesterfield aforesaid, have 
represented to this Court the great Difficulties and Inconveniences they labor under 
in their present Situation, and have earnestly requested that they be incorporated 
into a Town : 

Be it therefore Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General 
Court assembled, and by the authority of the same — The Plantation called Chester- 
field Gore and that part of the first additional Grant to Narraganset Township 
aforesaid, now included in the Town of Chesterfield, and bounded as followeth, 
viz. : — Beginning at the Southwest Corner of the said Second Additional Grant or 
Chesterfield Gore, thence North bounding westerly on unappropriated Lands Eight 
hundred and Sixty-four Rods to Ashfield south Line, thence East nineteen Degrees 
South on said Ashfield South Line 'till it comes to Conway west Line, thence 
South nineteen Degrees west on saidConway west Line to a Bound formerly known 
by Hatfield North-west Corner, thence south eleven Degrt^es west on Williams- 
burgh west Line to the South-cast Corner of the first Additional Grant to said 
Narragansett Number four, thence west on the South Line of said Grant, Six hun- 
dred and fifty-four Rods including the whole of the four Tier of the Original Lots 
oa the said first Additional Grant, thence North Eleven Degrees East on the west 
Line of the aforesaid four Tier of Original Lots, four hundred and fifty Rods to the 
Northwest Corner of the Original Lot Number twenty-nine, thence West three 
hundred and twenty-six Rods to the Southwest Corner of Lot number Ninety-four, 
being the North-west Corner of the Pine Timber Lot so called, tlience North 
Eleven Degrees East four hundred Rods to the South Line of the second Addi- 
tional Grant, or Chesterfield Gore, thence West to the first mentioned Bounds, be 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 247 

atid hereby is incorporated into a separate Town by the name of Goshan with all 
the Powers, Priviledges and Immunities that Towns within this Commonwealth 
have, or do enjoy. 

And be it further enacted that Jacob Sherwin, E*q., be and hereby is empowered 
to issue his warrant to some princiijal Inhabitant of said Plantation requiring him 
10 call a meeting of said Inhabitants in Order to choose such Officers as by Law 
Towns are empowered to choose in the month of March annually — provided 
nevertheless the Inhabitants of that part of the first Additional Grant which are 
included in the Town of Chesterfield shall pay their proportionable part of all such 
State and County Taxes, and Town Taxes so far as respects the raising of 
Men and Supplys for the Continental army as are already set upon them b^the 
Town of Chesterfield in like manner as though this Act had not been made — 

In the House of Representatives, May 14, 1781. This Bill having had three 
several readings passed to be enacted. 

CALEB DAVIS Speaker. 

In Senate, May 14, 17S1. 

This Bill having had two several readings passed to be enacted. 

JEREMIAH POWELL, Pres't. 
Approved, 

JOHN HANCOCK. 
A true Copv, 
Attest — 
JOHN AVERY, Secy. 



248 HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 



Biograpliical. 



The following obituary notice of a native of this town is from the Marietta (Ohio) 
Register of Feb. 12, 18S0. 

Diet! in Fairfieltt, Feb. 10th, John J). Chamberlain, ageil 90 years ami .") months. 

JolinDresHcr Chamberlain was born at Goshen, Hampsliire euunty, Massachusetts, Sept. 
10,'178!). His fattier was tlie fourteenth child whose name was Asa, and the name is wide- 
ly disseminated. Tlie subject of this slvCtcli came on foot across the mounlains and landed 
at Waterford, this county, March, 1811. He tauffht school at Adams, (Cat's Creek,) Water- 
ford and Amesville. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and was honorablv discharged at its 
close in 18U. He was near Sandusky in hearing of tlie battle on the lake which resulted in 
Perry's victory. After the war he engaged in the manufacture of clocks at Cincinnati with 
Lunian Watson, under the Arm name of Watson & Chamlierlain. He afterwards returned 
to his farm in Wooster (now Watertown), where he spent most of liis long and useful life. 
He held many ofliccs of trust and always discharged his duties honestly. He was Ctmnty 
Commissioner from 1834 to 1840, serving with Kobert K. Ewart, Daniel H. Buell and Wil- 
liam Dana. In politics lie was an anti-slavery Whig and ardent Itepublican, anil, while 
always a law-abiding citizen, he never turned from his door a hungry human being, though 
forbidden by an odious law of Congress to feed the hungry slave fleeing from servitude. 
He reared a large family and was the kindest of parents, fondly devoted to those of his kin 
and ready to labor incessantly for their welfare. Though of a strong Avill he was a man of 
tender sympathies, and human sufl'ering moved him as it does a child. He defended what 
he conceived to be his rights with an unconcjuerable devotion, but asked nothing for him- 
self that he did not concede to others. For many years he had lived in the past, recounting 
the incidents of his life, and of the lives of those with whom he had associated, with great 
pleasure. Those who stood with him in his pioneer life have been swept down by the 
ruthless liand of time, and now the lone sentinel at the ripe age of fourscore and ten has 
laid do\\-n his burden to meet them. His funeral will take place to-day, from the residence 
of C. H. Goddard, his son in-law, in Fairlield. 



B,ev. Joseph Stone Burgess. 

The early part of Rev. J. S. Burgess' life, was spent on his father's farm in Gq- 
shen, Mass. His older brothers, Benjamin and Frederick, having left honie, his 
father depended largely on Joseph, in carrying on the farm, and entrusted much to 
his care. Immediately following his father's death, which occurred when Joseph 
was seventeen years of age, he assumed with his mother, the entire responsibility 
of conducting the interests of the farm, which were considerable, and were made 



HISTORY or GOSHEN^. 249 

quite successful. At eighteen he was appointed in connection with his mother, ad- 
ministrator of the estate left by his father, and guardian of four minor children, 
George, Sarah, Lucretia and Silas. The duties of this office were faithfully dis- 
charged, and approved by the Court. About this time, he became very anxious to 
obtain an education superior to what could be acquired at the schools in Goshen, 
especially at that time. 

In April of the following year, he left Goshen on foot with a few books and need 
ed clothing, for the purpose of fitting for college at Andover, Mass. Finding the 
expenses here too great for his limited means, he soon left Andover for Shelburne 
Falls Academy, an institution established on the "Manual Labor System," to aid 
indigent students. Here he was provided with instruction, and labored daily three 
hours to pay for his board, rising each morning at four o'clock. His industry and 
studious habits secured good health and proficiency in his studies. Here he re- 
mained three years and was promoted to the position of assistant in mathematics, 
under Prof Brown. 

Several young men of Goshen followed his example, and soon entered the Acad- 
emy. Among the number were his brother George, F. \V. Lyman, Levi L. Pierce 
' and H. Orcutt. During his connection with the Academy, he taught winter schools 
in Goshen, Ashfield and Shelburne. Some of these were large and difficult, but he 
won commendatory reports from the committees, for his efficient services. He was 
subsequently engaged for eight years in teaching in New Jersey. While residing 
in that state he was delegate to the State Educational Convention at Trenton, 
where he took a prominent part in the discussion of important educational ques- 
tions then before the public. 

In 1844, he was delegate to the Whig State Convention at Trenton. He took a 
very active and earnest part, by frequent addresses and by circulation of documents 
and newspapers, advocating the election of Henry Clay for President. 

Towards the last of his residence in N. J., he read law in the office of Mr. Alex- 
ander of Princeton, and expected to have made the legal profession his life work. 
Subsequently pecuniary matters took him to Boston, Mass., when KeUgiojis Im- 
pressions so wrought upon his mind as to entirely change the whole tenor of his 
life and labors. These impressions dating back to early religious meetings in Go- 
shen, under the labors of Rev. Mr. Noyse of the Congregational church ; the piety 
and faithfulness of his parents, his brother Frederick, and sister Maria, and Rev. 
Mr. Boardman; strengthened by Baptists and Methodists of Ashfield, were consum- 
mated at last in Boston, much through the influence of his oldest brother Benjamin 
and wife. Here he decided to be a Christian, and to preach the Gospel of Christ 
to the best of his ability. He immediately gave up his business and worldly plans, 
and entered at once the Theological Seminary at Whitestovvn, N. Y., under the 
auspices of the Free Baptist denomination, in due time becoming a member of the 
church and ordained minister in the denomination of Free Baptists. When about 
leaving the Seminary at W., Mr. B. received a call to settle over the Free Baptist 
church at West Waterville, Maine. His labors here were attended with a very in- 
teresting outpouring of the Divine Spirit, adding some sixty persons to the church. 
Here he was united in marriage with Miss Laura A. Gage, a relation which has 
been most happily continued to the present time. 

In 1848, Mr. Burgess received and accepted a unanimous call to the pastorate of 



250 HISTORY or gosiiex. 

the Free Baptist church of Lewiston, Maine. Here his labors were continued 12 
years, during which time, several religious awakenings were enjoyed, resulting in 
large additions to the church. He also rendered very important aid in the erection 
of a large and beautiful house of worship. He served also as Superintendent of the 
public schools. Returning to Lewiston after an absence of eight years, he estab- 
lished a second Free Baptist church, building a meeting-house and adding many 
members during his seven years <)f pastoral work. The additions to both churches 
during his jiastorates of twenty years were nearly seven hundred souls. 

During Mr. Burgess' whole ministry he has firmly maintained an anti-slavery 
and temperance position, sometimes at a loss of place and means of support. 
From principle he has vigorously defended the poor and oppressed, and lifted up 
his voice emphatically against all A^atwnal sbts. He has been settled over import- 
ant churches at Bangor, Me.; Haverhill, Mass.; Harrisburg, Pa., and St. Johns- 
bury, Vt., and has been often engaged in raising large sums of money, in payment 
wf burdensome church debts. He has served several times as delegate to the F. B. 
General Conference ; and Corresponding Secretary of the Home Mission Society, 
travelling extensively West and South, raising funds and aiding in chuich building. 
He was one of the original founders of the Maine State Seminary, now Bates Col- 
lege, of Lewiston, Me., and was eight years President of the Bi^ard of Overseers of 
the College. He has for many years been correspondent of several newspapers. 
His public addresses and sermons upon various important occasions, have been 
published and commended. Mr. B. has joined several hundred in marriage, besides 
attending very many funerals ; and has been uninterruptedly engaged in the Chris- 
tian mini.stry 35 ycais. 



Personal Reminiscences by Levi L. Pierce- 

Circumstances over which I had no control, ])revented my being born in Goshen, 
but I went there to live in 1824, when only eight years old — on the 19th of .April, a 
day memorable in the history of New England — a day when in the streets of Con- 
cord, "The embattled farmers stood and fired thfe shot heard round the w*>rld." I 
lived with my uncle. Col. Timothy Lyman, a farmer residing in the north district of 
the town. He owned some three hundred acres of land, of average quality tor that 
part of the country, having stones enough on the surface to fence it into five acre 
lots, with walls five feet high. He was a thrifty farmer, and here I learned the ru- 
diments of farming, which I have never regretted, ;is it brought me in close com- 
munion with nature, and laid a slow but sure foundation for success in after life. 

P'red. W. Lvman, a cousin of mine, and of about the same age, lived half a mile 
distant. We were always warm, intimate friends and companions, and attended 
school in the old red school house, and always occupied the same seat in the north- 
west corner of the school-room. There we studied Peter Parley's geography, and 
learned, "The earth is round, and like a ball seems swinging in the air." We also 
studied reading, writing, arithmetic, and the studies generally taught in district 
schools in those days. Ldon't know as there was anything vicious in our natures, but 



HISTOKY OF GOSHEX. 251 

we were disposed to have a good deal of fun, both in and out of school hours. We 
generally managed to escape punishment, but occasionally would go so far as to be 
brought up with a round turn and a smart application of birch. As a sample of our 
triicks in school, I will name one : A boy we will call Roger, sat on a seat in line 
of ours, but some eight feet distant. We beckoned him to move up toward us, in- 
timating we had something to give him. Just as he had managed to get near us, 
without the teacher, noticing him, we would scream out at the top of our voices; 
"Roger is herd" That would startle the whole school, and the teacher would ex- 
claim "W/tat's the matter 7io7u .>" and coming to the scene of the tumult, we would 
say, "Just as we were busy at work on a hard sum, Roger came and bothered us." 
The result was, Roger was taken by the ear and marched into the middle of the 
floor, there to stand for half an hour to be pointed at as a warning to others. Did 
space permit, I would speak of spelling schools, militia trainings, and musters. At 
the first muster I attended, my uncle gave me twenty-five cents for spending money, 
and Aunt Hannah said, "Now, Levi, don't spend it foolishly." But long before the 
day was over it had all gone for ginger-bread and firecrackers, mostly for ginger- 
bread. I went to meeting regularly every Sunday in the once yellow old meeting- 
house on the common. Rev. Mr. Wright was the minister. I doubt not he was a 
good man in the usual acceptance of the term, and has long since "gone up higher.' 
* * * But to my mind a brighter day is dawning — a day that will 

brush away the cobwebs of Dogmatic Theology, and usher in the Christianity of 
Christ— a Christianity broad as the world and whose membership shall embrace the 
whole family of man. Then will come the true millennium, when the lion and the 
lamb can lie down together, without the lamb being compelled to lie inside the lion. 
In i8;5i, soon after the death of my uncle, I went to live with Mr, Benj. White, 
where I remained until I was twenty-one. In 1840, I went to Southport, now Ke- 
nosha, Wis., and since then my life has been somewhat checkered. In 1848, I be- 
came acquainted with P. T. Barnum, Esq., the great show man, and was in his 
employ the most of the time for twelve years, travelling with Jenny Lind, the Chi- 
nese famil)-, and for two years, 1850-151, as treasurer and ticket seller for his great 
travelling American museum and menagerie. Dec. 10, 18^6. I sailed on the steamer 
Persia, in company with Gen. Tom Thumb, as his treasurer and ticket seller, for 
an extended tour of Europe. I found the General a very genial, companionable, 
generous little man. The exhibition proved a financial success, he appearing daily 
before large audiences, including crowned heads and heads not crowned. On the 
loth of Feb., 1S63, I had the pleasure of attending the marriage of General Tom 
Thumb and Miss Loviena Warren, at Grace church, New York. The wedding at 
the church and reception at the Metropolitan Hotel were very eleganc. I accom- 
panied the General and wife on their wedding trip to Washington, and on the even- 
ing of the I2th, by special invitation of President Lincoln and his wife, we spent 
two hours at the White. House. There were present several members of Congress, 
and in passing into the East Room, Mr. Lincoln said to the little General, "You go 
ahead, I would rather follow jow than many Generals I have in the army." Becom- 
ing tired of the sho7v business I engaged in the shoe business in Syracuse, N. Y., 
where I was quite successful. In 1870, with my wife, Mr. Barnum, and an English 



252 HISTORY OF GOSHEX. 

friend, I took a pleasure trip to California, via Union Pacific R. R., visiting the 
Yosemite valley, and many Other interesting places, all enjoying it highly. For the 
past ten years I have been a semi-invalid. 1 bought a home, and am now living in 
the pleasant village of Greenfield, Mass. surrounded by the kindest of relatives and 
friends, with all my needed wants supplied. Here 1 intend to remain until called 
to fairer fields and pastures new, on the other side of Jordan. 

L. L. Pierce. 



Slvetclies oftlie Centennial Conrnaittee. 



Alvan Barrus, son of Levi, chairman of the committee, was bi;rn in 1S31, the 
the semi-centennial year of the town, lie has always resided in this town, and 
taken an active interest in every thing that pertains to its welfare. As one of the 
town officers, he has borne his full share of labor. He was commissioned as Justice 
of the Peace in 1867, and is the only Justice now resident in the town. He has 
frequently been engaged in various public duties, and was a member of the Legis- 
lature in 1879. Devoting himself to a careful study of the questions coming before 
the House, he made several short but effective speeches, by which he won an hon- 
orable standing among his fellow legislators. His aid was often sought in drafting 
and advocating bills introduced by other members. He was a member of the Com- 
mittee on County Estimates. 

A paper referring to the bill for amending the game laws, said, it was "discussed 
with no little spirit. Mr. Barrus of Goshen was the champion of the bill in the 
interest of the farmers, and cudgelled some of the lawyers and city sportsmen who 
had taken occasion to speak lightly of his calling, in a way that won for him the 
sympathy and approval of even those who opposed the measure. It was the first 
time Mr. Barrus had spoken upon the floor, but the professional debaters will not 
eare to shak** him up again." 

The Boston Traveller, in commenting upjn the prominent members of the 
House, classed Mr. Barrus " among the men who have made the session of the 
Massachusetts Legislature of 1879, memorable." 

His recard as a member of the First Mass. Cavalry in the civil war may be found 
on a previous page. 

He is Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for 1SS1-2. 

George Dresser, Secretary of the Committee, son of Moses, resides on the ancient 
homestead iif the family, where he was born and has always dwelt, except for a few 
years spent in New Jersey, and in trade in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Educated 
in the common and select schools, and at the Academy in New Salem, he was for 




^^- LY^^' 



CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE. 



HISTORY or GOSHEN. 253 

some years a successful teacher, and has often acceptably served as one of the 
School Committee of the town. He is one of the deacons of the church, for which 
he has peculiar qualifications, and has served on the Board of Parish Assessors 
and also as one of the Selectmen and Assessors of the town. 

Hiram Packard, Treasurer of the Committee, son of Willard, born 1816, has 
always been a resident here ; always true to his convictions of right and duty; 
always doing his full share, pecuniarily, in sustaining church and parish ; never 
" signing off," because something had been done of which he did not approve. He 
has done frequent official service for town and parish, and was tendered the diaco- 
nate of the church, which he declined. He represented his district in the Legisla- 
ture of 1873. Farming is his chosen calling, and of late years, in company with his 
son, Edward C, and Lorin Barrus, he has been experimenting with varied success 
in the culture of Fish, their latest effort being with carp imported from Germany 
by the U. S. government. He is one of the Board of Selectmen and Assessors for 
18S1-2. 

Lieut. I'imothy P. Lyman, son of Capt. Francis, born 1834, was brought up on 
the original Lyman homestead, where he still resides. Possessing the loyal and 
military spirit of his ancestors, he early enlisted in the First Mass. Cavalry, and 
was with the regiment at Hilton Head, also in most of its engagements around 
Richmond, and wns there at its fall. He was acting Quartermaster of the regiment, 
being promoted from private to First Lieutenant. Re-enlisting, he remained in 
the army to the close of the war. After his return home he was appointed Deputy 
State Constable, which office he held till the law creating the force was repealed. 
He has served upon the Board of Selectmen and Assessors of the town. 

John H. Godfrey, son of Henry T., born 1842, worked upon the farm till the 
breaking; out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 52d Mass. Regiment, and 
was at the capture of Port Hudson. After the close of the war, he engaged in 
mercantile business with his uncle Anson, in Northampton, for a few years, and 
then bought the store in Goshen which he now occupies. He has done a success- 
ful business, besides serving his fellow citizens as Toun Treasurer and Selectman. 

Deacon Theron L. Barrus, son of Levi, has long been identified with the civil, 
educational and religious interests of the town. He has served the church, parish, 
and town, in various official positions for an extended period with conscientious 
fidelity, and with general acceptance. He taught school for several terms, and has 
often served as one of the School Committee. His chief pursuit is farming. 

Alonzo Shaw, son of Ebenezer of Cummington, born 1819, is one of the substan- 
tial yeomanry of the town, shrewd, honest, and a good m.anager in business affairs. 
He has shown that intelligent farming on the hill towns will pay, and has given 
substantial evidence by adding largely to his buildings and his acres, and doubtless 
to his revenues. He has often served the town as one of the Board of Selectmen 
and Assessors, and in other important positions. He is cousin to Fayette Shaw, 
07ie of the foremost and wealthiest leather merchants in Boston. 

He is re-elected for 1881-2 on the Board of Selectmen and Assessors. 



HISTOKY OF GOSHEN. 



255 



INDEX. 



Abell Family, 135. 
Benjamin, 24, 71, 95. 
Carrie P., 75. 
George, 37. 63, 91, 92. 
George A., 105. 
Joshua, 12, 17, 19, 24, 38, 64, 72, 95, 119, 133, 

207. 
Nathaniel,23, 24, 67, 95. 
Veraal, 66. 

William, 28, 30, 30, 63, 72, 91, 92. 
Adams, Rev. George, 49. 
Albro, 69. 
Allen. 
Bennet, 69, 76. 
Philip, 24, 116. 
Rev. Timothy, 45. 
Alison*. 

Rev. Robert C, 62, 74. 
Alvord. 

Isaac, 69. 
Amadox, 134. 
Ansel, 66. 
Ebenezer, 70. 
Anderson, Capt., 64. 
Baker Family, 207. 
Andrew, 67. 
Martha, 62. 
Ball, Warren, 103. 
Benjamin G., 13. 
Bardwell Family, 1.34, 5. 
Elijah, .59, 60, 62, 71. 
Rev. Horatio, 48, .55, 56, 62. 
.Jeremiah H., 134. 
Laura, 59, 62. 
Rhoda, 62. 
Selah, .30, 71. 
Barker, Rev. Joseph, 18, 42. 
Banister Family, 134. 
Abiel, 42. 
Barzillii, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23,* 36, 92. 

* JIajor not May, 



Christopher, 11,12, 13, 17, 18, 21, 35, 36, 42, 

70, 96. 
Deborah, 42. 
Joseph, 42. 
John, 11. 

Lemuel, 11, 17, 18, 19, 22, 24, 36, 42, 70, 92. 
Mary, 42. 
Sophia, 79. 
William, 11, 70. 
Bakr, Col. Asa, 64. 
Barrows. 

Barrus Family, 1.38-142. 
Alvan, .33, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 63, 69, 76, 82, 1C4, 

208. 
Charles, 35, 63, 69, 103. 
George, 140, 208. 

Hiram, 37, 38, 40, 68, 68, 69, 71, 74, 75, 76, 88. 
Levi, 30, 31,32, 33, 68,69. 
Patience, 208. 

Theron L., 35, 51, 63, 69, 74, 76. 
Lorin, 39, 63, 69, 104. 
Bartlett, William, 69. 
Bascom, Rev. Aaron, 45. 
Passktt, Silas. 23. 

Joseph, 15.5-6. 
Bates Family, 207. 
Gershom, 66. 
Hudson, 93. 
Levi, 91. 
Nathaniel, 66. 
Reals Family, 142, 207-8. 
Adam, 13, 21, 23. 
Adam, Jr., 23. 
Daniel, 70, 207. 
David, 70. 
Dexter, 69, 207-8. 
Enoch, 23, 71. 
•Joseph, 39, 6' , 89, 105,207. 
William, 24. 
Beebe, Richard, 120. 
Belden, Fred. W., 79. 



256 



HISTORY OP GOSHEX. 



Beswkk, Kverton, i:5. 

BiGELOW. 

Jolin, 11. 

Ciipt. -, fiit, 88. 

Nathan, li!). 
Billings Fajuly, 1.37-8. 

AsalK'l, 28, 30, 36, 37, 39, 40, .51, G3, 04, i)0. 

Elijah, 35, .51 , C3, 04, 72, DO. 

Fred S., 34, 3.j, 103. 
BISBEE, Rev. .1. H., 49. 
BiSSELL, John H., 107. 
Blake Family, l3.i-(). 

Joseph, 11, 72, 135. 

Silas, 136. 
BOAUD-MAX.Rev. Win. J., 48, 75. 
BODMAN, William, 19. 
Boies, Sanford, 67. 
Bourn, Benjamin, 13, 23, 70. 
BoLTWOOD, Rev. Lucius M., 62. 
Beackeit Family, 208. 

Ezra, 71. 
BUADFOUD, , 74. 

Brayman, Samuel, 72. 
Bkidgman, Edward, 33, 83. 

Sidney E., 122. 

"E. P. B.," 210. 
Bkiggs, Rev. James, 45. 
Broavn Family, 135. 

Rev. Beni.F.,.57, 239. 

Clianipion, 71. 

Daniel, 11, 18, 21, 23, 42, 71, 102. 

Dorcas, 42. 

Gi'eenwood, 23, 121, 135. 

Joseph, 13, 68. 

Josiali, 13. 

Judith, 42. 

Thomas, 11, 17, 18, 21, 25, 36, 41, 42,71, : 
135. 
Bryant. 

Caleb, 60, 06. 

Eli, 93, 114. 

Patrick, 30. 

Dr. Peter, 84. 
Bt CKISGIIAM, Jed., 23, 71. 

Burgess Family, 136-7. 
' Dr. Benjamin, 11, 12. 18, 22, 24, 25, 36, 
71, 84, 120. 

Benjamin F., 137. 

Rev. Frederick W., 57. 

George JM.,74. 

Rev. Joseph S., 57, 74, 248. 

Mercy, 74. 

Silas, 30, 71, 121. 
Buck, Isaac, 13. 
BURK, Wait, 96. 
BUR.NELL, Thomas S.. 134. {Correction.) 



40, 



Kingsley A., 1.34. 
Bush, Joseph, 68. 
BUSHNELL, Rev. Dr., G4. 
Butler, Solomon, 71. 
I5YIXGTOK, Rev. Mr., .59. 
Canning, Edward W. B., 74. 
Carpenter Fa:mily, I4:i. 

Cyril, 51. 

David, 69, 75, 208. 

Edwin A., 71, 83. 

Ezra, 63, 70, 118. 

Richard, 143. 
Carruthers, Rev. William, 62. 
Cathcart, Gershom, 38. 

Oliver T., 28. 
Chamberlain, Asa, 23, 248. 

John D., 248. 
Cheever. 

Grace, 47. 

Ezekiel, 47, 57. 
Child, Rev. Isaac, 67. 
Childs, Dr., 84. 
Clakk. 

Edward, 51. 

Josiah, 13. 

Rev. Lewis F., 74. 

O.P.,79. 
Cole, Ansel, S8. 

Ebenezer, 13. 
COLSON, Adam, 1.51. 
Coney, Dr. Ellis, 37, 84. 
Converse, Edward, 13. 

CORBI.V. 

Ezekiel,10, 22, 88. 
CowEN, Prince, 13. 
CowLES Family, 143. 

Amasa, 72. 

Jabez, 13. 

Simeon, 72. 
Cox, James, 13. 
Crafts, Albert W., 82. 
Cranston, 168, 215. 
Crittenden, Amos, 13. 
Crosby, Joseph, 67. 
Grossett, Rev. Robert, 48, 75, l 

Rev. J. Fisher, 57. 
Curtis, Zach., 13. 
CusHMAN Family, 142-3. 

Caleb, 14, 23, 61, 69. 

Calvin,59, 60, 61,64, 74. 

Minerva, 60. 

Solomon, 143. 

Rev. Ralph, ,58, 309. 

Rev. Rufus, .57,74. 

Vesta, 61. 

Wealthy, 61. 



HISTORY OF G0SHE:N^. 



257 



Dadmun. 

Marshal, 10, 72. 
Damon Fajiily, 144. 

Abner, 23, U6-7-S, 211. 

Gershom, 103. 

Jared, 07-8. 

Marlon, G7-S, 71. 

Robert, 13. 

William, 13. 
Dawes, Charles H., lOG-7. 

Dry den. Oft. 

Hon. Henry L., 130. 

.Joseph H., 106. 

Mrs. Pamelia, 121. 
Dorr, George, 23. 
Dresser Family, 144-.'), 210. 

Rev. Amos, 00, 01. 

Albert B., ((3, 210. 

Caleb C, 38, 04, 72, 8S, i)l, 121, 200-10. 

Francis, 30, 37. 

George, 34, 38, 51, 01, 0§, 72, 74, 75, 70, 'J 
2o2-S. 

George C.,34, 70. 

Hannah, 02. 

Levi, 72, 210. 

Moses, 11, 21, 30, 01, 72, 11.5. 

Reuben, 11, 12, 14, 21, 22, 24, 30, 37, .38, 02 
03, 72,83,88, 02, 111. 

Sophia B.,02, 210. 

DWIGIIT. 

Josiah, 10. 

Dr. Wm. C.,84. 
Dyer, Rev. Anson, 00. 
Edwards, Sarah, 120. 
Elavell, Moses, 00. 
EwEr,r, Consider, 93. 
Fisher, Rev. Wm., 62. 
FiSK, Rev. Pliny, 55. 
Fowler, Rev. Abram, 18, 44. 
Frary. 

Capt., 64. 

Electa, .54. 
Fuller Fa:\iily, 145. 

Doctor, 84. 

.lolin, 28,07, GO. 

Nathan, 09. 
Gage, Sanford,75. 
Gardner, Levi, 144. 

Reuben, 37, 144. 

Garde L, , 211. 

Gates, Wid. Mary, 23. 
Gere, Henry S., 124, 188. 
Gibus, Lewis, 93. 
Gloyd, .Jacob, 70. 

Zenas, 70. 
Godfrey, Anson W., lOO. 



Henry T., 71, 120. 

John H., 34, 5, 8, 9, 63, 107. 

John L., 80. 

Wm. A., 82. 
Gould, S. J., 67, 71. 
Grant Fajiily, 14.5-6. 

Asa, 11, 71, 90. 

Christopher, 13, 21, 42, 71. 

Elizabeth, 24, 42. 

John, 35, 6, 7, 8, 9, 71, 4, 5, 92, 101, 121, 211. 
Graves, Downing W., 83. 
Grimes Family, 140. 

James, 23, 5. 

Mary 41. 

Samuel, 22, 70. 

Widow, 23. 
Grover Family, 140. 

Stephen, 23, 71. 
Gilbert, Rev. W. H., 49. 
Guilford, Chauncy, 72. 
GuRNEY, Lysander, 90. 

Spencer, 90. 
GuSTiN, Joel, 70 
Halbert, James, 23. 

Jolui, 13. 

Nathan, 23. 

Widow, 71. 
Hallock Family, 14(i-7. 

Abigail, 02. 

Alse,41. 

Jeremiah, 41, 4, 52, 3, 4, 90. 

Moses, .54. 

AVllliam 11, 18, 54, 02, 71, 90, 119. 
Hamilton, Thomas, 18, 9, 69. 
IlAiiLiN, Thcron, 79. 

Alden, 79. 
Hawks Family, 147. 

Amos, 10, 70. 

Eleazer, 70. 

Electa, 62. 

Dr. Erastus, 84. 

Fannie E., 75, 6, 83. 

Jared, 29, 70,1,81,2. 

Joseph, 63, 4, 70, 80, 2, 3, 03, 121. 

Julia, 211, 2. 

Rodney, (>7, 70, 89. 
Hawley, Maj. .Joseph, 151. 
Hayden, Elisha H., 39. 

Henry, 72. 

Joel, 02. 

Josiah, 02. 

Nelson, 71. 
Higoins, Simeon, 13. 
Hinsdale, Rhoda, 120. 
Holm AN, Rev.' Sidney, 49, .50, 76. 

Myra, 74. 



258 



HISTORY or GOSHKKT. 



Thos. S., 107 . 
HOPKTNS, Dr. Lewis S., 122; 
HoSFOKD, Arad, 28. 

Stephen, G7, 71. 
Howis, Reuben, 23. 

Zechariah, 60. 
Hubbard, Alexis R^ 108. 

Calvin A., 108. 

Daniel, 69. 

Fred. A., 108. 

Hollon, 120. 

Rev. Wm., 40, 6T. 
Hughes, 102. 
Hunt Family, 147-8. 

Ebenezer, 79. 

John v., 60. 

Lowell, to. 

Susie P., 75. 

Geo. S., 212> 
Hutchins, Dr., 81. 
Jajees Family, 148, 212-3. 

Enoch, 28. 

John, 21, 3, 5y 33, 70, 89^ 

Luther, 212. 

Malachi, 23, 9,30,.3,. 70„92.- 

Moses, 23, 70. 
Jenkins, Jacob, 64, 

Leonard, 69. 
Jepson Family, 149,. 

Francis, 33. 

Forrace, 69, 71. 

John, 22, 3, 69, 96.. 

Joseph, 68, 96. 

Micah, 23. 

Cyrel, 69, 92. 
Jeavell, Aaron, 14. 

Nathaniel, 68. 
Jones, Alfred, 75, 83^ 

Capt. Lewis, 69. 

William, 21, 32. 
Joy Family, 164. 

Cyrus, 164. 

Julia A., 164. 
JUCHAU, Rev. Geo., 50. 
Kellogg, Daniel, 23. 

George, 71. 

Jennie E., 49. 

Ruby, 62. 

Stephen, 23, 93. 
Keen, Philip, 70. 
Keyes, Rev. Calvin, 67. 
Kid, Charles, 14. 
KILBURN, Rev. Josiah, 41, 2. 
King Family, 149. 

Paul, 9.j. 

Robert, 149. 



Kingman Family, 149-150. 

Isaac, 23, 68, 96. 

Levi, 89. 

Reuben, 90. 

Hon. Richmond P., MS. 
Kingsbury, Rev. Cyms, 60. 
Kinney, Col., 30. 
KIRKLAND, Haivey, 64. 

John, 17. 
KiTTKEDGE, Dr. Jol 1, 23. 
Knowlton. 

Joshua, 38, 82. 

Madison, 140. 
Lamb, Mrs. Martha J.,. 157-9.. 
Lazell, Edmund, 93. 
Leach. 

Cyrel, 70. 

Samuel, 13. 
Linsley, Marcus, 51, 71. 
Littlefield, Daniel, 13. 
LONGLEY, Rev. Alfred, 74, 

Col Thomas, 28. 
LooMis Family, 152. 

AhnonB., 68. 

Calvin, 68, 152. 
Loud, Caleb, 20. 
LovELL, Jacob, 79. 
Lucas, Geo. W.,64. 
Luce Family, 153. 

Samuel, 23, 39, 66, 71. 

Sears, 71. 
Lull, James, 72. 
LuMMis, Reuben, 71. 
LusK, Rev. Wm., 48. 
Lyman Family, 150-2. 

Aaron, 116. 

Elisha, 17. 

Francis, 36, 9, 51, 71, 88, 92. 

Frederick W., 71, 4, 5, 1.52,. 213.. 

Gad, 151. 

Giles, 38, 116. 

Helen, 75. 

John C, 38, 71. 
I Jonathan, 51, 64. 
j Josiah, 96, 116. 
j Richard, 150. 
; Thomas, 71, 88. 

■ Timothy, 11, 14, 17, 20, 8,. 9, .35, 8, 9, 40,. 71,. 
j 92, 7, 151. 
I TimothyP., 35, 71,103. 
Lyon Family, i.tO. 
j Cyrus, 13,21,2, 4, 70, 121. 

Elias, 89, 

Lemuel, 10, 17, 19, 24, 35,.41,.2,.70,82„92„119.. 

Jlarcus, 26. 

Silveuus, 69. 



HISTOtlY OF GOSHEN. 



259 



William, 71. 
M VNNING Family, 153. 
Augustus, 105, 120. 

George W., 103. 

George P., 105. 

JoelD., 105. 

John, 103, 105. 

Phinehas, 23, 67, 97, 103, 121. 

William, 106. 
M> KY, Charles, 70. 
Mansfield, John, 23. 
Martin, Rev. Orra, 67. 
Mason, Rev. Stephen, 47, 75. 

Lowell, 64. 
May Family, 153-5. 

Dexter 71, 

Electa, 60, 62- 

Ezra, 10,12, 71,96, 153. 

Margaret, 19, 43. 

Neheniiah, 14. 17, 18, 21, 5, 6, 36, 7, 9, 41, 62, 
71,9,81,2,9,93, 153,216. 

Pruflence, 62. 

Sarah, 12. 
Mayhew, Freeborn, 23, 71, 92, 155. 
Mayor, George, 39, 70. 
Meader, William, 22, 71, 114, 153. 
Mills, George, 13. 
Miller, Josiah, 71. 

Rev. Moses, 48. 
Mitchell, Chester, 93. 

Rev. Mr. 48. 
mollison, j. r., 70. 
Moore Family, 155. 

Abner, 88. 

Shepherd, 23. 
Morton, 

Banister, 69. 

Rev. Daniel O., .55, 62, 214. 

Elisha, 1.54. 

Hon. Levi P., 62. 
MoTT Family. 

Samuel, 11,22,23,91. 

James, 22(i. 
Nakamore Family, 1.56. 

Alpheu8,23,37, 64,93- 

Deborah, 23, 68. 

Franklin, 36, 37, 40, 68, 69. 

Henry L., 107, 1.57. 

Joseph, 23, 37, 68, 92. 

Samuel, 1.56. 

Sarah W., 74. 

Thaddeus, 24, 70. 
Nash Family, 157 

Arvin, 121. 

MarthaJ.,157, 8, 9. 
Nelson, Jona., 13. 



Newell, Zimri, 71, 92. 
Olds Family, 160. 

Rev. Jason, 56, 90. 

Levi, 23. 

Samuel, 13, 18, 21, 68, 110. 

Silas, 90. 
Orcutt Family, 159. 

Edward, 11, 71. 

James, 64, 97. 

Nathan F., 137. 

Thauklul, 74. 
Orr Family, 1!59, 160. 

James, 22, 3, 66, 8. 

Owen, , 72. 

Packard Family, 100-162. 

Asa, 13. 

Caleb, 97, 

Calvin A., 33. 7, 8, 40. 

Edward C, 63, 70, 6. 

Frebun W.,71,91. 

Hiram, 33, 4, 5, 7, 8, 40, 63, 9, 70, 88. 

Capt. Horace, 36, 63, 89, 91, 93, 161. 

Horace H., 106. 

James, 11, 19, 21, 3, 68, 116. 

Joshua, 11, 38, 9, 66, 8, 78, 90, 1, 162. 

Ralph, 72. 

Willard, 22, 70, 161. 

Wni. S., 39, 69, 70, 72. 
Pain, Ebenezer, 72. 
Parker, Widow Mary, 24. 
Parsons Family, 16-2-165, 214. 

Benjamin, 11, 54, 55. 

Rev. B. Franklin, .57, 69. 

Ebenezer, 11, 17, 25, 36, 37, 79, 81, 82. 

Erastus, 55. 

Elihu, 23, 120. 

Frederic, 118. 

Helen, 75. 

Henry, 105. 

Justin, 11, 21, 24, 37, 39, 42, 51, 54, 62, 69, 71, 
119, 163, 214. 

Rev. Levi, 54, 5. 

Levi, 69, 163-4. 

Lucretia, 54, 62. 

Lucinda, 74. 

Mary, 74. 

Rhoda, 74. 

Silas, 11,. 55, 69. 

Solomon, 11, 37, 40, 69, 79, 82, 89. 

Stephen,28,51.88. 

Theodore, 69, 163. 

Willard, 29, 69. 

Wm. Lyman, 107. 
Partridge Family, 165. 

Asa, 71, 165. 

Eli, 68. 



260 



HISTORY OF GOSHEN. 



J. II., 74. 
PATRICK, James, 23, 88. 
Perhy, Josiah, 14. 
Phelps. 

Abner, 72, 106. 

Leroy, 106. 

Levaut, lOG. 

Nathaniel, 72. 
Phillips. 

Benjamin, 19. 

WendeH, 64. 
Pierce Family, 166. 

Kev. Chas. H., 60. 

Dr. Daniel, 75, 84. 

George, 121. 

Heniy, 60. 

Martlia, 74. 

Levi L., 74, 5, 166, 250. 

Tliomas, 13. 

Timotliy 1)., 38, 107. 

Volney, 71. 

Pool, , 72. 

POJIEROV, Tlios. W., 70. 
Porter, Samuel, 71. 
Pratt, Enoch 13. 
Prentice, Barney, 36, 75, 14.3. 
Putney Family, 166-7. 

Amasa, 75. 

Ebene/.er, 11, 14, 21, 22, 24, 37, 42, 52, 62, 
80, 115, 119, 120, 166. 
_Elisha, 71. 

Emmons, 36, 47, 75, 314, 76, 88, 89. 

Hannah, 62. 
, Jlenry, 107. 

Joseph, 38, 70, 72, l(i7. 

Maria, 74. 

Nahum, 118. 
Naomi, 74. 

R.\NGER. 

Dr. Job, 83-4. 
RanneyI'amily, 144. 
REEL), Rev. Royal, 48, 75. 

Simeon, 91. 

Zelotus, 91. 
Rick, Capt. Fonlyce, 92. 

Lyman F., 106. 
Richards. 

.Tames, 62, 4. 

Nehemiah, 30. 
Richardson, Fred. C., 72, 216. 
Richmond, Zebulon, 24. 
Roberts, Ansel A., 107. 
Robinson, 

Dr. Isaac, 12, 71,8.3. 

Dr. Joseph, 83. 

Dr. R. C, 84. 



Watson, 23. 
Rockwell. 

Dr. A. W., 84. 

Dr. J. W., 75, 84. 
Rogers, Dr. George, 84. 

Rev. H. M., 50, 76. 

John, 24. 

Joseph, 71, 155. 

Robert, 71, 156. 

Rolon, 71. 
Rood, Rev. Thomas IL, 48, 76, 215. 
Rose, Rev. Israel G., 47. 
Russ. 

Nelson, 71. 

Oren, 71. 
Russell, .Jona., 24. 
Salmon. 

Rev. E. Putney, 56. 

George, 37, 70, 81. 
Sears. 

Freeman, 37, 8, 63. 

F. Willis, .55. 

George H.,76. 
Shaw. 

Alonzo, .34, .5, 8, 68, 191, 2. 

Mrs. Alonzo, 67. 

Josiah, 79. 
HEA,.lohn, 13. 
Sheldon, William II., 74. 
Shei'ARD, Rev. Mase, 44. 
Shipjian, James D., 88. 
Sherwin. .Tacob, 19. 
Silvester, Richarfl, 13. 
Simmons, Joshua, 39, 69. 
Smith Family, 170-1. 

Ellen E., 62, 74,215. 

Hannah, 74. 

.Tohn, 11, 17, 21, 41, 2, 59, 60, 70, 92, 170. 

.Tohn M., 37, .5.3, 64, 170, 216. 

Leonard, 71. 

Lucy, 74. 

Mary, 62, 74. 

Ralph E.,38, 71. 

Reuben, 46, 71, 121, 170. 

Sarah, 42. 
Snell. 

Ebenezer, 19. 

Samuel, 68. 
Snow. 

Capt. Jonathan, 22,3. 

Samuel, 66. 
Spaulding, Asa, 13. 
Stearns Family, 167-170. 

Charles, 9. 

Cyrus, 10, 24, 30, 67, 9, 90, 113, 121, 169. 

David, 9, 12, 18, 19, 21, 42, 70, iMI, 114, 168. 



HISTORY OF GOSHElSr. 



261 



Ebenezer, 9. 

Ezra, 28, 66. 

Isaac, 9. 

John, 24, 70, 96, 215. 

Lemuel, 96. 

Levi, 90. 

Samuel, 12. 

Shubael, 9. 

Thomas W., 69, 90. 
STEPnEKSON, George, 118. 
Stone Family, 171-176. 

Alvan, 57. 

Ambrose, 11, 15, 22, 3, 5, .31, .36, 7, 8, 9, 40, 69, 
74, 88, 92, 8, 171. 

Amos H., 69, 88. 

Dea. Artemas, 11, 14, 21, 2, 42, 44. 51, 8, 71, 
176. 

Augu.?ta, 74. 

Edward G., 69. 

Frederick P., 30, 40, 64, 9. 

Jerusha, 42. 

Oreii, 93. 

Col. Luther, 29, 30, 1, 3, 5, 6, 38, 9, 40, 63, 9, 
93, 121, 173-4. 

Silvanus,ll,23, 70, 1. 

Theodocia, W, 62. 
Street, Whiting, 34. 
Strong, Eev. Joseph, 45. 
Taft, Cheney, 19.5-6. 
Taylor Fajiily, 176-7. 

James B., 106. 

Dea. Oliver, 14, 17, 18, 21, 2. 3, 5, 6, 7, .36, 7, 
8, 9, 40, 4, 5, .51, 70, 79, 90, 120. 176, 214. 
Thayer. 

Ludo, 78. 

Jason C, 79. 
Thomas. | 

Ezekiel, 68, 96. 

Samuel, 69. 
Thompson. 

Israel B.,31, 83. 

Rev. John C, 40, a, 9, 75, 76, 214-5. 
TiLTON Fajiily, 177-8. 

Ben.iamin,69, 90. 

EmmaW., 7.5. 

George F., 104. 

Henry H., 33, 51, 71. 

Polly, 17. 

Salathiel, 23, 177, 

Spencer, 71 , 103. 

S. West, 33, 6, 67, 71. 

Vashti, 75. 177, 215. 

William, 28, 40, 71. 
Todd, Rev. Asa, 67. 
Tower, 

Isaac, 23, 70. 



N;ithanlel, 70. 

Richard, 24, 72. 

Thomas, 73. 
TOAVN, Ebenezer W., 51, 75, 81, 121. 
Truesdale. 

Benjamin, 70. I One werson '^ Ml^ if 
Ebenezer, 113. i ^^'^ person . w n 

Turner, Wm., 13. ^ 

Tucker, Abijah, 9, 12, 168. 

Tyler. 

Nathan W., 13. 

Stephen, 13. 
ITtley, Rnlph, 37, 121, 178. 
VINING, Mrs. M. C. F., 49. 
Vinton Family, 178. 

Abiathar, 24, 98. 

Frederick, 74. 

Levi, 24, 66, 98. 

Nathaniel, 24, 72. 
Walker, 

Isaac, 98. 

Rev. Townsend, ,50. 
Ward, Trowbridge, 93. 

William, 19. 
Warner, Joseph, 93, 4. 
Washburn Family, 179. 

Hattil33,5, 81, 90. 
Webstrr Family, 179. 

Robert, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, S8, 9, 116. 

Elizabeth, 74. Hx-. >«l/» '^7 

William, 70, 88, 95. 
Weeks Family, 180-183. 

David, 183. 

Elijah, 100, 181. 

Ezra, 182. 

Mercy, 180. 

Capt. Thomas, 11, 17, 18, 21,3,41,2,70,98, 
9, 180, 1. 
Whalley, Rev. Samuel, 62. 
Wheeler. 

James, 23. 

Rev. M. G., 48. 
Whitcomb, .Tames, 24. 
White Families, 194-202. 

Abigail, 24. 

Asa,. 37, 89, 91, 195. 

Benjamin, 29, .33, 5, 6, 8, 9, 40, 51, 63, 72, 75, 
201, 202. 

Ebenezer, 24, 64, 6, 89, 195. 

Elias, 70. 

Ezekiel, 24, 72, 194. 

Farnum, 17, 18, 21, 23, 42, 71, , 195. 

Henry, 37, 71. 

Hon. James, 200. 

John, 30, 114. 

Jonathan H., 201, 



262 



HISTORY or GOSHEJJ^. 



■" Joseph, 35, 40, 72, 7."), 108. 

Joseph H., 109. 

Josiah. 24, 64, 0, 03. 

Julia M., 74. 

Marcy, 42. 

Molly, 24. 

Rev. Morris E., 48. 

Xoah, 72. 

Nchcmiah, 64. 

Percarine, 121. 

Ralph H., 201. 

Simon H.,200. 

Sophia M., 199. 

William, 10, 12, 17, 18, 21, 2, 6, S'i, 6, 9, 40, 2, 
72, 92, n, 100, 119, 196, 7, 8, 202. 
Whitman Famly, 193-4. 

Ephraim, 47. 

Grace, 47. 

Rev. Samuel, 39, 34, 6, 54, 67, 193. 
Whitney, Gen. James S., 137. 
Williams Family, 183-191. 

Mrs. Anna, 121. 

Artemas, 187. 

ClarinaaB.,62, 75. 

Daniel, 33, G, 8, 63, 88, 188. 

Mrs. Deborah S., 62, 3, 4, 121. 

Gordon, 67, 70. 

Hannah, 74. 
■ Hinckley, 70, 80, 1, 3. 



I H. Wright, 118. 

I John, 17, 21, 3, 9, 37, 40, 66, 186, 67, 70, 9, 80, 

[ 1, 2, 00. 

! John, 2d, 88, 9r, 121, 101. 

I Jonah, 23, 82, 90. 

' Levi, 29. 

Mrs. Mercy, 121. 

Sarah R., 185. 

Rev. William, 57. 

WiLLCUTT FAJIILY, 19'l-2. 

Andrew, .57. 

Enoch, 66, 70. 

Jesse, 66, 70. 

Joel, 191. 

Lorenzo, 68. 

Philip, 70, 118. 

Zebulon, 11, 23, 31, 67,191. 
WING Family,' 193. 

Edward, 23, 118. 

Samuel, 23. 
Wright Fajiily, 204. 

Rev. D. Grosveuor, 57, 204. 

Dr. George, 75, 84. 

Rev. Joel, 47, 75, 202-4. 

Rev. J. E. M., 61, 66, 204-6*. 

Jonathan, 61. 

Justin, 13. 
Wyilan, Daniel, 72, 215. 



* ^., Correction— F age 206, first Hue should continue "after residing for four yeai's, etc." 



